This study examined the preference of cows on pasture for different types of water troughs. In initial studies, the cows were allowed to drink from two water troughs that differed in height and surface size. The cows preferred to drink from the taller (60 vs 30 cm), larger (approximately 50% more surface area) trough. In a second study the smaller trough was raised to the same height as the larger trough, and the cows did not should a strong preference. When given access to only one trough, for periods of 24 hrs, the cows drank more from the taller, larger trough. Water intake is particularly important for dairy cows and the results of this study suggests that high levels of intake will be more easily maintained if large, high troughs are used.