How much water should you really drink a day?

There is no single "right" amount for everyone, as your needs depend on your activity level, the climate you live in, your health, and your diet.

A helpful guide is to follow your body's signals: drink when you are thirsty, and aim to drink enough so that your urine is light yellow or clear.

For a general baseline, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests an average daily fluid intake of:

• About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men.
• About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women.

It is important to note that this includes all fluids—not just plain water—as well as the water content found in fruits, vegetables, and other foods. About 20% of our daily fluid intake typically comes from the food we eat.

If you live in a hot climate, are physically active, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will likely need more. If you have specific health conditions, such as kidney issues, it is best to check with your doctor for advice tailored to you.