I am working on some rain water harvesting educational material for my real
job and have had to point out that harvested rain water is non-potable
unless treated and approved for human consumption.  This got me wondering
about water quality for bees and other wildlife.  My observation is that
bees will prefer 'flavored' water over pure water when given a choice, and
who has not seen a dog happily lapping water up from a mud puddle with no
apparent ill effects?

In all of our discussions of the many pathogens affecting bees, does
contaminated water play a role?  Think of the role dirty water has, and
continues to play in human health...

On a happy note, it did drive the need for various fermented beverages in
the days of yore before we understood water purification.

Bill Lord
Louisburg, NC

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