✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated June 2026
JUG energy-free automatic livestock and horse waterer by Bakko Industries
JUG Waterers by Bakko Industries, Inc. For almost 3 decades, JUG Waterers have been providing horses with the freshest, cleanest water available to them.
About Bakko Industries, Creator of JUG Waterer The JUG was developed in central Iowa in the early 1980s, and came on the market in 1984. Bakko Industries (a family owned company at Glenwood Minnesota) purchased the JUG product line in 2005. The JUG is marketed throughout the US, and Canada, mostly through Bakko's Territory Rep / Dealer Network. Open territory, and overseas sales are handled directly out of the Glenwood office. Bakko Industries continually strives to produce the highest quality products possible, and follows the sale with excellent, friendly, and informed customer service. Water is the most vital nutrient your horses can have! Even though you provide access to water for your horses, it does not necessarily mean they are staying properly hydrated. The quality of their water can deter them from drinking, thus limiting their daily intake for digestion, energy, and overall health.
How The JUG Works-- a Natural Drinking Design
Thanks to the open bowl design and unique draw tube water supply system, horses can see and smell clean, fresh water. No learning how to lift flaps or push balls or floats out of the way to get a drink. A horse simply places its mouth in the open pool of water in the drinking bowl and sucks up the water just as it would from a natural water hole.
Jug Is Designed To Provide Your Horse With Clean Drinking Water
JUG Waterers feature a weather-sealed water reservoir which blocks out sunlight. This virtually eliminates algae growth in the tank. Water is fed to the open drinking bowl through the draw tubes. These tubes are attached to the drinking bowl with a feed trap which keeps feed debris from the horse’s mouth out of the reservoir, thus reducing any bacterial growth. As a horse drinks from the JUG, a suction/swirling action is created in the feed trap area. This action causes feed from the face of the horse to be consumed as it drinks. And because water is "turned over" whenever a horse drinks, there is always clean, fresh water in the bowl.
Even though the design of our units keeps the water free from feed or hay, most water contains iron bacteria which will leave a residue in the tank over time. The external drain plug will allow you to easily drain water from the tank periodically. Once the unit is full again, an internal pilot-operated float valve automatically keeps the water in the bowl at the determined level. The water level is easily adjusted from the outside of the JUG.
Natural Thermal Energy-- NO "Electricity" Required!
Jug Waterers rely primarily on thermal energy (not electrical) to help regulate a constant water temperature. This means warmer water in the winter and cooler water in the summer for your horses to drink. This is accomplished through the following design features:
* Draw Tube Water Supply System- There are actually three draw tubes in the unit, two copper and one Cpvc. As the water gets cold in the bowl, it becomes heavier and sinks down the Cpvc tube, forcing warm water from the tank up the copper tubes and into the feed trap area and bowl. Since copper is an excellent heat conductor, heat is transferred during this water replenishment process, keeping the water in the bowl from freezing.
* JUG Earth Tubes - Stand-alone models are often installed with insulated and uninsulated earth tubes. These create a heat well under the unit which supplies additional heat from the ground. The insulated tube extends below the frost line, minimizing heat escape to the frozen ground in winter. When heat from the ground flows through the uninsulated tube into the heat well, it is used as additional energy to keep the water in the JUG fluid.
The JUG Saves You Money On Utility Costs!
In marginal climates you need enough horses to keep the water in the tank warm enough to provide heat energy (at least 15 head per bowl). Otherwise, a low wattage heater and thermostat are recommended.
Note: In 2021, a research study* performed and published in the Iowa Sate University Animal Industry Report concluded that JUG Waterer units with heat output (thermostat) control reduced the energy usage by 85% over a competitor’s waterers without thermostats or earth tubes. The JUG Waterer units cost only $0.11 per day to operate. The utility cost savings was over $110 during the study period.
*The study was conducted at Iowa State University Beef Nutrition Farm in Ames, IA from October 23 thru December 14, 2020.
With The JUG- You Get Quality at Every Turn!
The exterior design of our JUG Waterers, coupled with out patented clean water technology inside, promotes a natural drinking experience your horses will enjoy.
Our Stand-Alone Waterers come in three models:
Single Bowl, Double Bowl, and Four Bowl. The durable rotomolded polyurethane construction makes them tough on the outside, while weather-sealing keeps the inside free of dirt and debris. All three models are equipped with an anti-siphoning float valve to prevent back siphoning into your water supply. An exterior inspection plate can be easily removed for examination and service to the float valve. An external adjustment screw (to minimize the amount of water exposed to the weather) and drain plug are included for hassle-free maintenance.
What About JUG Waterer For Your Horse Stalls?
The same clean, fresh water technology of the stand-alone models are also offered in a stall version for your horse's stalls. . Available in both wall and corner mount, the Stall Waterers feature strong polyethylene construction with an 18 gauge stainless steel bite guard (which prevents damage from cribbing). With its 2 gallon reservoir and quick recovery float valve, the stall units offer plenty of water capacity for your horses. For colder climates (or if you have a cold barn), we offer a low 30-watt thermostatically controlled heated version for the assurance of frost-free water. And our insulated rise tube protects the water supply line from the cold. For warmer climates (or if you have a heated barn), our energy free version is the model of choice.
Of Course, We Have the Strongest Warranty in the Industry!
JUG Waterers are backed by the strongest warranty in the industry, along with the highest possible level of customer service. Due to the minimal maintenance features of the JUG, warranty needs are typically uncommon. However, should an issue ever arise, we offer the following against manufacturer defects:
* 2 Full Year Warranty on float valve parts and electrical components
* 15 Year Prorated Warranty on bases and lids
In addition, we offer a 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee.If you’re not satisfied with the quality of our product or the water it provides, we will gladly buy it back from you within 60 days of purchase.
Now You Know The Facts, Don't Your Horses Deserve The JUG?
We believe they do! Best design, natural drinking, and most powerful warranty in the industry. Call us today and let us help your horse enjoy the benefits that JUG has to offer!
JUG energy-free automatic livestock and horse waterer by Bakko Industries
How does an energy-free JUG keep horse water from freezing?
The JUG Waterer regulates temperature with thermal energy rather than electricity, drawing on the natural heat held in its insulated reservoir and in the ground below. Inside each unit are three draw tubes — two copper and one Cpvc — that create a gentle convection loop: as water cools in the bowl it grows heavier, sinks down the Cpvc tube, and forces warmer reservoir water up through the copper tubes back into the bowl. Because copper is an excellent heat conductor, heat transfers during every refill, keeping the drinking water fluid. For free-standing units, insulated and uninsulated earth tubes extend below the frost line to feed a geothermal heat well that supplies extra warmth all winter.
JUG standing pasture waterer with sealed clean-water reservoir
What makes JUG water cleaner than an open tank?
JUG built its reputation on a weather-sealed reservoir that blocks out sunlight, so algae cannot take hold the way it does in open troughs and tanks. A patented feed trap sits between the bowl and the reservoir, using suction created as the horse drinks to pull spilled grain, hay, and slobber away from the fresh water rather than letting it settle in the supply. Fresh water is continuously brought up to the drinking bowl through the draw tubes, so the herd is always offered clean, turned-over water. An external drain plug and float-adjustment screw make routine cleaning a quick, screwdriver-level job.
JUG livestock waterer with feed trap and draw-tube clean water technology
Which JUG standing waterer fits your herd size?
Bakko offers three free-standing models built around the same clean-water technology. The Single Bowl measures 25" L × 20" W × 24" H, holds 7 gallons, weighs 53 pounds, and serves up to 50 head of beef (25 dairy, 75 sheep). The Double Bowl is 41" L × 20" W × 22½" H, holds 14 gallons at 76 pounds, and serves up to 100 beef. The Four Bowl unit is 39" L × 37" W × 22" H, holds 45 gallons at 105 pounds, and serves up to 250 beef — letting you match capacity to a single horse stall or a large pasture group.
JUG durable rotomolded waterer in farm setting by Bakko Industries
How do JUG stall waterers mount inside a horse stall?
For barns and box stalls, JUG makes a Corner Mount and a flat-back Wall Mount stall waterer, each built from durable rotomolded plastic with rounded edges and a 2-gallon reservoir. A stainless steel bite plate guards the unit against cribbing and chewing damage, while a quick-recovery float valve keeps the bowl topped off and a marked fill line shows the suggested level. Plumbing can come up from below through optional insulated or uninsulated riser tubes, or in from overhead through a drilled corner access hole. A 30-watt thermostatically controlled heated version is available for unheated barns and cold climates to guarantee frost-free water.
Who is behind the JUG, and how long has it been proven? The JUG was developed in central Iowa in the early 1980s and came on the market in 1984. Bakko Industries, Inc. — a family-owned company in Glenwood, Minnesota — purchased the JUG product line and has spent almost three decades refining and manufacturing it for horse and livestock owners. Independent owners describe the heavy-duty plastic construction as "sledgehammer tough," with decade-old commercial units still running reliably. The waterer's reputation rests on a simple promise: the freshest, cleanest water available, delivered with little to no electricity.
What warranty and operating costs come with a JUG?
Bakko backs the JUG with a 2-year full warranty on float valves and electrical components, a 15-year prorated warranty on bases and lids, and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee with a buyback option. Operated as designed, the average seasonal electric cost runs about $10. To run truly energy-free in marginal climates, plan on at least 15 head per bowl so animal use and reservoir heat keep the water warm; for smaller groups or single horses, an optional low-wattage heater and thermostat are available. To order or ask questions, contact Bakko Industries at 28958 198th Avenue, Glenwood, MN 56334, call, or.
How does a JUG Waterer keep my horse's water clean?
JUG Waterers feature a weather-sealed reservoir that blocks out sunlight, which virtually eliminates algae growth in the tank. Water is fed to an open drinking bowl through draw tubes fitted with a feed trap that keeps feed debris out of the reservoir, reducing bacterial growth. Because the water is turned over each time a horse drinks, there is always clean, fresh water in the bowl.
Do JUG Waterers need electricity to keep water from freezing?
No electricity is required for the basic design. JUG Waterers rely primarily on thermal energy to regulate a constant water temperature, using a draw tube system of two copper tubes and one CPVC tube that circulates warmer tank water up into the bowl. Stand-alone models can also use insulated and uninsulated earth tubes that draw additional heat from the ground below the frost line.
How do horses learn to drink from a JUG Waterer?
There is nothing for the horse to learn. The open bowl design and draw tube water supply let horses see and smell clean, fresh water, so there are no flaps to lift or balls and floats to push out of the way. A horse simply places its mouth in the open pool of water and sucks it up, just as it would from a natural water hole.
What models of JUG Waterers are available?
The stand-alone waterers come in three models: Single Bowl, Double Bowl, and Four Bowl, built with durable rotomolded polyurethane construction and weather-sealing. JUG also offers a stall version in both wall and corner mount with strong polyethylene construction and an 18 gauge stainless steel bite guard to prevent damage from cribbing.
Can JUG Waterers be used in cold climates?
Yes. In marginal climates you need enough horses to keep the tank water warm enough to provide heat energy, at least 15 head per bowl; otherwise a low-wattage heater and thermostat are recommended. For stalls in colder climates, JUG offers a low 30-watt thermostatically controlled heated version with an insulated rise tube to keep the water supply line frost-free.
Does a JUG Waterer actually save on utility costs?
A 2021 research study published in the Iowa State University Animal Industry Report found that JUG Waterer units with heat output (thermostat) control reduced energy usage by 85% compared to a competitor's waterers without thermostats or earth tubes. The JUG units cost only $0.11 per day to operate, with utility cost savings of over $110 during the study period conducted at the Iowa State University Beef Nutrition Farm.
What kind of warranty and guarantee come with a JUG Waterer?
JUG Waterers are backed by a 2 Full Year Warranty on float valve parts and electrical components, plus a 15 Year Prorated Warranty on bases and lids, all against manufacturer defects. The company also offers a 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee and will buy the product back within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with its quality or the water it provides.
How can I learn more or order a JUG Waterer from Bakko Industries?
Bakko Industries, Inc. is a family-owned company in Glenwood, Minnesota that has been providing horses with fresh, clean water for almost 3 decades. You can reach their friendly staff by phone at 800-JUG-6675 (800-584-6675) or by email at [email protected], or visit https://www.bakkoindustries.com/ to explore the stand-alone and stall waterer options.
Does the JUG Waterer really work without electricity?
Yes. The JUG is engineered to regulate water temperature with thermal energy rather than electricity. Its insulated, sealed reservoir holds warmth, and a three-tube convection system (two copper tubes plus one CPVC tube) continuously circulates warmer reservoir water up into the drinking bowl. For free-standing units, earth tubes reaching below the frost line add geothermal heat, allowing the JUG to operate energy-free in many climates.
How does the JUG keep water from freezing in winter?
As water cools in the bowl it sinks down the CPVC draw tube and pushes warmer water from the insulated tank up through the copper tubes, transferring heat with every refill. Standing models also draw geothermal warmth through an insulated earth tube that runs below the frost line. In marginal climates the herd's own body heat and drinking activity keep the reservoir warm, which is why Bakko recommends a minimum number of animals per bowl.
How many horses or animals does each JUG model serve?
The Single Bowl serves up to 25 dairy, 50 beef, or 75 sheep; the Double Bowl up to 50 dairy, 100 beef, or 150 sheep; and the Four Bowl up to 125 dairy, 250 beef, or 300 sheep. For horse owners, these head counts translate to anything from a single stall up to a large pasture group, so you can match the unit's capacity to your herd.
What sizes and capacities are the JUG standing waterers?
There are three free-standing models. The Single Bowl is 25" L × 20" W × 24" H, holds 7 gallons, and weighs 53 lbs. The Double Bowl is 41" L × 20" W × 22½" H, holds 14 gallons, and weighs 76 lbs. The Four Bowl is 39" L × 37" W × 22" H, holds 45 gallons, and weighs 105 lbs.
What is the feed trap and why does it matter?
The feed trap is a patented chamber between the drinking bowl and the sealed reservoir. As a horse drinks, suction pulls spilled grain, hay, and slobber away from the fresh water supply instead of letting it sink and rot in the tank. Fresh water is then brought back up through the draw tubes, keeping the bowl noticeably cleaner than open-top troughs.
How does the JUG prevent algae growth?
The reservoir is weather-sealed and blocks out sunlight, and algae cannot grow without light. Because the water supply is never exposed to the sun the way an open tank is, the JUG keeps water clear and fresh with far less scrubbing. Bakko still recommends draining the unit during off-seasons of disuse to keep it pristine.
Are there JUG waterers made for horse stalls?
Yes. Bakko offers a Corner Mount and a flat-back Wall Mount stall waterer, each with a 2-gallon reservoir built from durable rotomolded plastic with rounded edges. They include a stainless steel bite plate to resist cribbing damage and a quick-recovery float valve, making them well suited to box stalls and barns.
How are the stall waterers plumbed and installed?
You can supply water two ways. From below, optional riser tubes carry the line up into the unit — an insulated 4" Schedule 80 PVC riser with a 2" Schedule 40 inner pipe and spray-foam injection for cold climates, or an uninsulated riser for heated barns. From above, you drill an access hole in the back corner and run the plumbing in overhead. This flexibility lets the stall waterer fit existing barn layouts.
What is the JUG made of and how durable is it?
JUG units use heavy-duty rotomolded plastic construction, which independent owners have described as "sledgehammer tough." Reviewers report decade-old units originally used on commercial cattle farms still operating reliably despite visible wear. The bases and lids are durable enough that Bakko offers a 15-year prorated warranty on them.
What warranty does Bakko Industries offer on the JUG?
The JUG carries a 2-year full warranty on float valves and electrical components and a 15-year prorated warranty on bases and lids. Bakko also stands behind the product with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee that includes a buyback option, so you can try the waterer with confidence.
What does it cost to run a JUG each season?
Operated as designed, the average seasonal electric cost is about $10. The JUG is built to run energy-free in many situations, and even when an optional low-wattage heater is added for small groups or extreme cold, operating costs stay very low compared with continuously electrified tank heaters.
Do I need a heater, and what options are available?
For energy-free operation in marginal climates, Bakko recommends at least 15 head per bowl so animal use keeps the water warm. For smaller groups, single horses, or unheated barns, optional low-wattage heaters and thermostats are available — including a 30-watt thermostatically controlled version on the stall waterers — to guarantee frost-free water.
How do you clean and maintain a JUG Waterer?
Each unit has an external drain plug, so you can empty and rinse it without disassembly. A float-adjustment screw lets you set the water level from outside, and most routine service is screwdriver-level work. Because the feed trap and sealed reservoir keep debris and algae out, day-to-day cleaning is minimal compared with open tanks.
Who makes the JUG Waterer and where are they located?
The JUG is made by Bakko Industries, Inc., a family-owned company based at 28958 198th Avenue, Glenwood, MN 56334. The JUG product itself was developed in central Iowa in the early 1980s and came to market in 1984; Bakko later acquired the line and has manufactured and refined it for nearly three decades.
How long has the JUG been on the market?
The JUG was developed in central Iowa in the early 1980s and first came on the market in 1984, giving it more than four decades in the field. Under Bakko Industries' ownership for almost three of those decades, the design has been steadily refined while keeping its core energy-free, clean-water principles.
How do I order a JUG or get more information?
Contact Bakko Industries directly. Their address is 28958 198th Avenue, Glenwood, MN 56334, the phone number is 800-584-6675, and email goes to [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Can a JUG keep water cool in summer as well as warm in winter?
Yes. Because the reservoir is sealed away from direct sunlight and the water is continuously turned over rather than sitting stagnant, the JUG tends to deliver cooler water in summer and warmer water in winter than an exposed tank. The same thermal-mass and sealed-reservoir design that fights freezing also helps keep the supply refreshingly cool in hot weather.
