The water provides protection for the active material, and without it, the active material oxidizes, causing the battery to lose power. The use of a golf cart battery watering system is recommended to simplify the addition of water to the cells of the battery, ensuring that each cell receives the right amount of water and the battery's health is preserved. 

Distilled water is preferred for adding to golf cart batteries, as tap water and rainwater contain minerals and impurities that can negatively affect the batteries' performance and lifespan.

It is essential to maintain the correct water level in golf cart batteries to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage or shortened battery life. Therefore, electric golf carts do need water, specifically distilled water, to maintain the health and longevity of their lead-acid batteries.

How often should water be added to electric golf cart batteries?

The frequency of adding water to electric golf cart batteries depends on various factors such as usage, temperature, and the age of the batteries. 

It is generally recommended to check the water levels in golf cart batteries at least once every two months. However, the frequency may need to be adjusted based on specific conditions.

In warmer months, water in the batteries can evaporate more quickly, so it is advisable to check the water levels more frequently. Some sources suggest checking the water levels about once a month during hot weather to ensure that the batteries are adequately topped up. 

Additionally, it is recommended to check the water levels more frequently for older batteries, as they may require water addition more often.

When adding water to golf cart batteries, it is important to use distilled water to prevent the accumulation of minerals and impurities that can affect the batteries' performance and lifespan. 

 It is also essential to add water only after the charging cycle is complete, as adding water before charging can lead to overflow when the electrolyte solution expands during charging.

Overall, while a general guideline of checking the water levels at least once every two months is provided, it is important to consider factors such as temperature, battery age, and usage patterns to determine the specific frequency of adding water to electric golf cart batteries.