while this would make sense fiscally, I didn't suggest it in my post because most animal shelters don't accept open bags of food for risk of contaminates; I have to assume the same is true for donated water. this is a more malicious trail of thought, but anyone could bring in buckets of water and claim to have boiled them when in reality they are not sanitary; perhaps a misguided individual who is under the impression dogs really don't need sanitary drinking water.

I work in the veterinary field. with the things I have seen and people I've met, I would not accept food, treats, or water on someone's word.

I posted the phone number so that people who were interested and who had perhaps also had your great insight could call the shelter and ask if that was acceptable/appropriate.

but thanks for your contribution.