Water Source

Water Sources are the most essential natural structures in Timberborn, serving as the sole origin point for all flowing water on the map. These structures are provided by each map and cannot be built, moved, or destroyed by beavers. Every official map includes at least one Water Source, and their placement fundamentally shapes the geography and strategic possibilities of the terrain. Water Sources have a preset output strength of up to 8.0 cubic meters per second, and their total flow rate determines how much fresh water is available to sustain a colony. Players can measure water output using Stream Gauge structures placed downstream.

The behavior of Water Sources changes dramatically depending on the current weather cycle. During the Temperate season, Water Sources produce clean, flowing water that fills rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. This is the time to capture and store as much water as possible behind dams and in water tanks. When a Drought arrives, all Water Sources cease production entirely, and the map must rely on whatever water has been stored. During a Badtide, Water Sources become contaminated and emit Badwater instead of clean water, with contamination ramping from 50 to 100 percent over 12 hours. This seasonal variability makes Water Sources both a lifeline and a potential hazard depending on the weather.

Map designers can also configure Water Sources with negative strength values, which causes them to absorb water rather than generate it, creating natural drainage points. Water Sources positioned along map edges have a notable quirk: they block water from flowing off the map above their location, which can affect water levels in unexpected ways. Strategic placement of dams, levees, and floodgates around Water Sources is critical for effective colony management. During Temperate seasons, players should maximize collection and storage; before Badtides, they should isolate their reserves from the contaminated flow. Understanding the precise location and strength of every Water Source on your chosen map is the first step toward building a thriving beaver settlement.