Abstract: An automatic watering device for use with a stationary water reservoir includes an elongated hollow housing fixedly positioned relative to the reservoir, an elongated pipe having a first end extending into the housing and an opposite second end connected to a source of water, and a water control valve disposed within the housing and connected to the first end of the pipe. The water control valve is adjustably positionable within the housing to correspondingly set a desired water level within the reservoir. The automatic watering device of the present invention is particularly useful for maintaining a supply of water in an animal watering trough since the water control valve is protected from abuse at all times by the protective housing.