How much water do you need a day? And 5 products to help you drink more

Staying hydrated helps you feel your best, stay focused and support healthy skin and digestion. Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired or sluggish, so it’s worth making fluids a regular part of your routine.

But are you drinking enough each day? Everyone’s needs differ, depending on factors such as activity levels and your environment, but keeping an eye on your intake and building simple habits can help you stay on track.

From carrying a refillable bottle to using apps or wearables that remind you to drink, there are plenty of easy ways to boost your intake. Below, we’ve shared advice from the NHS and Which? nutritionist Shefalee Loth, to help you work out what’s right for you.

How much water do I need?

Not getting enough fluids can lead to dehydration, which is why the Eatwell Guide (a government resource) suggests drinking six to eight cups or glasses of fluid a day. Drinking water is an easy way to reach that goal, but other drinks and foods also count towards your fluid intake.

The NHS says you might need to drink more fluids if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, in a hot environment, physically active for long periods, or recovering from an illness. Factors such as medication and diet can also affect your hydration needs.

A good indication of whether you're drinking enough water is the colour of your urine. According to the NHS, light yellow typically means you're well hydrated, while dark yellow or amber may indicate dehydration. If your urine is completely clear, it could be a sign that you're overhydrated.

Other signs of dehydration include fatigue, headaches, dry mouth and dizziness, and urinating less frequently can also be a indication. Seek medical attention if these symptoms are severe or persist.

Our expert says:

'Staying hydrated is important for lots of bodily functions. It keeps our digestive system functioning, keeps skin healthy and helps our blood carry essential nutrients around our bodies. Being dehydrated can lead to headaches, lethargy, dizziness and poor concentration.

'Although we need around 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid a day, the water in the food we eat also counts. Try to stick to unsweetened drinks, and be cautious with flavoured waters, as they can contain added sugar. Instead, add a slice of lemon, orange or cucumber to your water if you want a hint of flavour.'

Shefalee Loth, Which? nutritionist

Products that may help you drink more water

1. Air Up bottles

The unique selling point of the Air Up bottle is its flavour pods, which trick your brain into thinking you're tasting something when it's actually just scented air.

Air Up offers a range of flavours, including fruits such as Wild Berry and Lemon, as well as mocktail-inspired options like Virgin Mojito and Virgin Colada.

In our test lab, our experts assessed the durability of both the Air Up Gen2 and Air Up Classic bottles. We also checked both for leaks and evaluated how easy they are to clean, open and close.

Of the water bottles we've tested, these are some of the best overall:

You can join Which? to see our guide to the best water bottles.

2. SodaStreams or carbonated water makers

A carbonated water maker could be a savvy investment for anyone trying to cut back on sugary fizzy drinks.

If you use a SodaStream simply to carbonate plain water, it only adds carbon dioxide (CO2). This turns your drink into sparkling water with no sugar, calories or additives – just bubbles. SodaStream also offers flavoured syrups, some of which contain sugar, while others are sugar-free.

If you plan to add these syrups to your drink, check the label carefully to see what they contain and how many calories they contribute. That way, you can choose an option that suits your dietary preferences.

Relying on a SodaStream to hit your hydration targets can also save you from buying sparkling water in plastic bottles. So, depending on how much bottled water you buy, it may be a more sustainable option.

Of the SodaStreams and sparkling water makers we've tested, these are some of the best overall:

You can join Which? to see our guide to the best SodaStreams and sparkling water makers.

3. Fridge freezers with built-in water dispensers

If you're shopping for a new fridge freezer, our expert reviews can help you find a Best Buy model with a refillable water dispenser. If you already have one, make a habit of using it frequently throughout the day.

If your fridge doesn't have this feature, it’s worth keeping a jug of chilled water to hand.

The obvious benefit of a dispenser is instant access to cold, filtered water that doesn't come from a single-use plastic bottle. It’s a great option for families, households with children, or anyone trying to cut down on cravings for soft drinks.

As part of our rigorous lab testing, we've uncovered Best Buy, Great Value and Eco Buy models with a water dispenser, and our reviews enable you to filter to find this feature. Our Eco Buy fridge freezer pick comes in at less than £500 and uses energy very efficiently for its size.

Of the fridge freezers with refillable water dispensers that we've tested, these are some of the best overall:

You can join Which? to browse our expert fridge reviews and fridge freezer reviews.

4. Quooker, Grohe and other boiling water taps

Hot drinks count towards your daily fluid intake, so adding a boiling water tap to your kitchen not only offers a faster alternative to the kettle but could also support your hydration goals.

Some models also dispense filtered, chilled, ambient, sparkling and standard mains hot and cold water.

Boiling water taps often include built-in filters that remove harsh-tasting chemicals and help soften and aerate the water. They can also be a practical solution for anyone who finds kettles heavy or awkward to use.

However, these taps don't come cheap – some can cost more than £3,000, depending on the brand. If you're on a budget, you can consider a small-capacity tank (two to three litres) for £500 or less.

Discover the pros and cons of instant hot water taps with our guide: Quooker, InSinkErator, Franke and other boiling water taps compared.

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Make the right choice with recommendations you can trust, backed by expert testing.

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5. Water tracker apps or wearables

Many fitness trackers and smartwatches now include hydration-tracking features designed to help you stay on top of your daily water intake. Often, these features are managed through an accompanying smartphone app.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, for example, pairs with the Health app (iOS, Android) to track your hydration levels. From the same screen that monitors your steps, weight, and exercise, you can set a custom daily goal for the number of glasses of water you want to drink.

Meanwhile, the Garmin Connect app (iOS, Android) is compatible with various trackers, including the Garmin Fenix 8, and offers similar hydration-tracking features. From the Hydration tab, you can set a target, monitor your hydration history and use the Quick Add feature to record your water intake.

Even if you don't own a wearable that tracks water intake, you can download a free app to help you stay on track. Alternatively, you can set daily alarms on your smartphone as a reminder to drink more water.

Unlock our selection of Best Buy wearables with our list of the best fitness trackers and best smartwatches.

Even more hydration hacks

• Don't like the taste of your water? - it could be worth checking whether you have hard water. This can leave a metallic or chalky taste in your mouth (see also: how to buy the best water softener). We've also investigated the best kettles for hard water.
• Keep a glass of water by your bed - so you're more likely to sip if you wake up thirsty, or first thing in the morning.
• Have a drink with every meal - it’s an easy way to build hydration into your daily routine.
• Try herbal infusions - they add flavour without the sugar and still count towards your fluid intake.
• Set calendar or phone reminders - to prompt you to drink regularly throughout the day, especially if you tend to forget.
• Soups and stews - these are also a good source of water and might appeal when you fancy something warm and filling. Consult our advice on the best soup makers and best slow cookers.