Anyone who has raised chickens and uses water founts knows the struggle of finding a good waterer that does not leak. I've used these waterers for nearly 5 years, and they are almost completely leak-free. Once you tighten the lid correctly, the waterer's vacuum system holds the water at the proper level; you don't have to place it on precisely level ground like some bell-style waterers. 5 gallons of water is enough to last a small flock for over a week, although it can get heavy to carry. The material is tough, doesn't crack, and can put up with a lot of wear and tear--I'm still using the first one I bought 5 years ago.