Woman smiling in a kitchen, holding a glass of water. A black water dispenser is in the background.

Health

How Much Water Do I Need to Drink a Day?

June 23, 2026

With everything going on in your day, it can be easy to lose track of how much water you’re actually drinking. You’ve probably heard the “eight glasses a day” rule, but is that really the right amount?

The truth is, daily water intake isn’t one-size-fits-all. Understanding what your body needs can help you build better hydration habits and feel your best throughout the day.

Is Eight Glasses of Water a Day Enough?

The idea that everyone should drink eight glasses of water a day has been around for years. However, it doesn’t reflect how much water each person actually needs.

Hydration needs vary from person to person, and focusing on a fixed number may not be the most effective way to stay properly hydrated.

How Much Water Should You Drink a Day?

General guidance from the National Academies of Sciences and Mayo Clinic suggests that hydration needs vary widely based on several factors that may include:

Activity Level: The more active you are, the more water your body uses
Climate: Warmer or more humid environments can increase fluid needs
Diet: Foods with higher water content can contribute to hydration
Lifestyle: Travel, work routines, and daily habits all play a role
Overall Health: Certain health conditions, medications, or life stages may affect hydration needs

While many people are familiar with the "eight glasses a day" guideline, current guidance emphasizes individualized hydration needs rather than a single universal target. Because these factors can change daily, your hydration needs can change too.

Please consult with a healthcare provider regarding your specific water intake needs.

Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small adjustments can make a big difference:

Keep a reusable water bottle with you
Drink water before and after meals
Set reminders to take a sip throughout the day
Choose water more often instead of sugary beverages
Make water easily accessible at home or work

You can also explore guidance from the CDC on water and healthier drinks for additional tips.

Small, consistent habits can help you build a routine that supports healthy hydration and long-term wellness.

Make Hydration Part of Your Routine

Building healthy hydration habits often starts with making water easy to access throughout the day. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, having drinking water readily available can help support your daily hydration goals.

Primo Brands™ offers a variety of bottled water, refill, exchange, and delivery options designed to make staying hydrated more convenient.

FAQs

What are signs that you may not be drinking enough water?

Common signs of dehydration can include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, headaches, and darker-colored urine. Because hydration needs vary from person to person, symptoms can differ as well. If you have concerns about your hydration status, consult a healthcare professional.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Dehydration: Symptoms & Causes

Can you drink too much water?

While uncommon for most healthy adults, it is possible to drink too much water. Excessive water intake in a short period of time can affect the body's sodium balance. If you have questions about your water intake or hydration needs, consult a healthcare professional.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?

Do beverages other than water count toward hydration?

Yes. Many beverages, including coffee, tea, milk, and sparkling water, can contribute to your overall fluid intake. Water remains a simple, calorie-free way to stay hydrated, but it is not necessarily the only source of fluids throughout the day.

Source: Mayo Clinic, Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?

Does the amount of water you need change based on activity level or climate?

Yes. Activity level, climate, and overall health are just a few of the factors that can influence hydration needs, which is why there is no single daily water intake recommendation that applies to everyone.

Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Dietary Reference Intakes for Water