A drinking apparatus for animals comprising a reservoir 2 inaccessible to animals in use, a submersible pump 1 located in the reservoir 2 and a drinking station comprising a water vessel 4 located at a greater height than the reservoir 2. The pump 1 is adapted to pump water from the reservoir 2 to the water vessel 4. The water vessel 4 comprises a weir 18 over which excess water is adapted to pass. A downtube 19 having an internal wall is coupled to the water vessel 4 and adapted to receive water passing over the weir in a return path to the reservoir 2. An auxiliary upper bowl 27 may attach to the water drinking station. A visible or audible indication may be provided to indicate the level of water in reservoir 2 is below a safe minimum level. A method for providing at least one danger warning selected from a visible and audible warning when a low water level exists in a drinking apparatus is also provided.
