# How much water do you drink in a day? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 22, 2009, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551 "2009-06-22T03:06:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/21 "2009-06-22T15:36:36Z")
A lot. Anywhere from 2-3 liters a day. After a workout, I need to drink about a liter just to make up for my water loss (I lose about 2-2.5 pounds of water weight after a run). The rest is spread out over the day. ---
**Author:** ![MissIntent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/97f17d/32.png) [@MissIntent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissIntent)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/22 "2009-06-22T18:06:11Z")
> [@Lanzy](#): > > Why just water? Water is everywhere, even in foods. > > 56, Male, about a pint a day of Just water. Diet/workout plans often say something to the tune of “Drink at least X amount of water a day”. In reading these, I always notice that X is less than my normal amount, so I wondered what the general public was drinking that would make X an increase. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/23 "2009-06-22T18:14:12Z")
> [@Rico](#): > > \ > > Moved to \*General Questions. > \* > \ How much water do you drink now belongs in General Questions? Well, I’ll be darned. Water? Drinking? No way. That’s for the frogs and the fishes. Wine and coffee is more like it. ---
**Author:** ![that\_darn\_cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/59ef9b/32.png) [@that\_darn\_cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/that_darn_cat)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/24 "2009-06-22T18:22:13Z")
I vary quite a bit by season. I have a 32 oz water bottle. In the cooler months I probably drink 1/day. Right now in sweltering Tampa, Fl its more like 3-4/day. That’s not counting coffee and beer, my other drinks of choice. 😉 I’m a thirsty guy. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/25 "2009-06-22T18:32:23Z")
The 8 x 8 rule (eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day) that is universally recommended may well be an [urban myth](http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20020711213420data_trunc_sys.shtml), according to Heinz Valtin MD, professor emeritus of physiology at Dartmouth Medical School. > [@](#): > > Valtin, a kidney specialist and author of two widely used textbooks on the kidney and water balance, sought to find the origin of this dictum and to examine the scientific evidence, if any, that might support it. He observes that we see the exhortation everywhere: from health writers, nutritionists, even physicians. Valtin doubts its validity. Indeed, he finds it, “difficult to believe that evolution left us with a chronic water deficit that needs to be compensated by forcing a high fluid intake.” > > How did the obsession start? Is there any scientific evidence that supports the recommendation? Does the habit promote good health? Might it be harmful? > > Valtin thinks the notion may have started when the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council recommended approximately “1 milliliter of water for each calorie of food,” which would amount to roughly two to two-and-a-half quarts per day (64 to 80 ounces). Although in its next sentence, the Board stated “most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods,” that last sentence may have been missed, so that the recommendation was erroneously interpreted as how much water one should drink each day. > > He found no scientific studies in support of 8 x 8. Rather, surveys of fluid intake on healthy adults of both genders, published as peer-reviewed documents, strongly suggest that such large amounts are not needed. His conclusion is supported by published studies showing that caffeinated drinks, such as most coffee, tea and soft drinks, may indeed be counted toward the daily total. He also points to the quantity of published experiments that attest to the capability of the human body for maintaining proper water balance. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/26 "2009-06-22T18:43:14Z")
It depends on the weather, location and whether I’m drinking other stuff or not. Summer in central Spain, with temperatures over 35C and low humidity, I can take 3 liters easily. Make it 25C with relative humidity about 73% and I need about one liter. Of course, the majority of days I don’t drink only water. My other drinks of choice are colas (I “quit” for a few days now and then, but never expecting it to be forever), milk and cocoa milk. These aren’t added to the water, but instead of. Take into account that one glass or cup with every meal already amounts to 3/4 of a liter: 1 liter isn’t difficult to reach, at all. ---
**Author:** ![Ephemera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8baadc/32.png) [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/27 "2009-06-22T19:13:11Z")
Practically none. My fluid intake is almost totally soda based. ---
**Author:** ![dracoi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/28 "2009-06-22T19:56:09Z")
Male, 30’s. I’ll drink about 8-16 oz of water on an average day. I tend to drink coffee/tea and soda/beer in maybe equal portions so that my total liquid consumption is probably around 32-48 oz per day. But some days are more of some, less of others. Of course, when I come in from working in the yard, I’ll usually down a pint (or two) of water right there. In fact, I tend to favor water any time I feel thirsty, and favor other drinks when I just want something tasty. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/29 "2009-06-22T20:21:21Z")
> [@sailor](#): > > How much water do you drink now belongs in General Questions? Well, I’ll be darned. Same here. I don’t drink plain water, but I drink Crystal Light which is close enough. I drink about a gallon a day. ---
**Author:** ![Sudo\_Intellectual](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/73ab20/32.png) [@Sudo\_Intellectual](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sudo_Intellectual)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/30 "2009-06-22T20:25:48Z")
Female, 30 and I drink at least a gallon of water a day, probably closer to 2 on hot days. That is just plain water. I also really enjoy plain Iced Tea and Cristal Light on occasion. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/31 "2009-06-22T20:29:11Z")
> [@MissIntent](#): > > Can you state your gender, age and normal intake? Female, mid-40’s, about a half a liter (I drink tea and some diluted juice, no colas) Unless I’m working outside on a hot day like today, then my water intake might go up to 2-4 liters easily, and I sweat most of it out. I have no problems increasing my intake of plain old water if circumstances make it a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/32 "2009-06-22T21:53:00Z")
female, type 2 diabetic, 48 about 3 liters per day, on a really hot day more. I adore iced water and I also drink iced water instead of snacking outside of my nutritional profile. I also have a 24 oz mug of coffee light/splenda in the morning, and an occasional hot tea throughout the day. ---
**Author:** ![FallenAngel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@FallenAngel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FallenAngel)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/33 "2009-06-22T22:15:57Z")
Male, 39, 3-4 liters a day and +/- 2 liters of coffee. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/34 "2009-06-22T22:47:30Z")
It just about is my only drink (non-alcoholic here, too many soft drinks which either have caffiene, which I need to avoid, or taste like carbonated battery acid), so maybe 2/3rds of a gallon/day. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/35 "2009-06-22T22:53:02Z")
> [@Rico](#): > > \ > > Moved to \*General Questions. > \* > \ However, this is really only a poll, and as such belongs in IMHO. There is no real question in the OP. Colibri General QuestionS Moderator ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2009, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/36 "2009-06-22T23:30:02Z")
I don’t drink regular water, but I do drink at least 2 liters of Propel every day (usually closer to 3). ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2009, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/37 "2009-06-23T00:12:44Z")
More than 1.5 liters, but usually less than 2. Some of you seem to drink a ton more than I do, because another ~16 oz of milk is the only other thing I drink over the course of a typical day. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2009, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/38 "2009-06-23T01:21:58Z")
Winter, I drink mostly soda and beer. During the warmer months I drink less soda and maybe 32 ozs of water a day. I’m lucky, I have tasty tap water. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2009, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/39 "2009-06-23T02:16:24Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > If I drink when I’m not thirsty I pee it out within a very short period of time. > > 38, female. That’s one of the signs of dehydration. It means that your body was withholding urine in an effort to stay hydrated. that’s why a nearly equivalent amount of urine comes out of you before the water could possibly have been processed. Go to the mirror and stick out your tongue. Is ther a line or crease down the middle? If so, you’re dehydrated. Drink a glass of water every 30 minutes until your tongue looks flat and smooth. It may well take all day. There, don’t you feel better? * * * I drink an insane amount of water. I have low blood pressure, and the best way to keep it up is to eat lots of salt and drink lots of water. A gallon a day at a minimum. Also 2-3 cups of coffee in the morning. I seldom drink anything else. 4o’s, female ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2009, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551/40 "2009-06-23T02:37:41Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > That’s one of the signs of dehydration. It means that your body was withholding urine in an effort to stay hydrated. that’s why a nearly equivalent amount of urine comes out of you before the water could possibly have been processed. And if you’re NOT dehydrated and drink a couple liters of water the same darn thing happens because your kidneys dump the excess fluid. Now, if you haven’t peed in 12 hours, yes, that’s a Bad Sign, but if you urination is at a normal frequency and you aren’t thirsty then it’s unlikely you’re dehydrated. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-do-you-drink-in-a-day/500551.md?page=3)