How Much Water Do We Use and Why It Matters

Water is responsible for the smooth functioning of all body functions. It carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, prevents constipation thus aiding digestion, and maintains the electrolyte balance in the body. Not consuming enough water in a day can increase the risk of dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, or sluggish and dark urine. Water consumption varies from person to person as a person who is exercising loses water through sweat or if it's a hot day, more water should be consumed. It is a healthy option and has no calories. Having salads, fruits, and other water-rich foods is a sure way to keep yourself hydrated. 

Consumption of water varies with age and gender as children and infants need much less water than adults 19-30 years of age when activities are strenuous. Older people are at a greater risk of dehydration due to health issues such as dementia and reduction in kidney function but they should be reminded and always kept hydrated as dehydration leads to myriad other diseases such as urinary tract infections, kidney failure, etc.

Average Water Consumption Per Day

An average person loses water throughout the day through passing urine, perspiring, and even breathing. Our body doesn't have a way to store water so we need to replenish it every day. A child may need a different amount of water than a woman who should ideally consume 2.7 litres and men should have 2.6 to 3 litres of water. Women who are breastfeeding need more fluid than other women. 

Our average consumption depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, our food, and activity levels. Our body depends on water essentially to survive as every cell, tissue, and organ needs water for its smooth functioning. Water doesn't fulfil our fluid requirements alone, what we eat also matters, for example, fruits like watermelon and vegetables like spinach have almost 100% water by weight.

Water Requirements

Water consumed by us keeps the blood liquid enough to flow easily through blood vessels, reducing the risk of many diseases such as cystitis and UTIs, it serves as a shock absorber inside our eyes and the spinal cord. Athletes lose as much as 6–10% of their water through sweat, so hydration is extremely necessary for people doing high-intensity exercise. Consuming fewer water impacts brain function and increases the frequency of headaches. Increased hydration also decreases constipation.

Water Usage

Water usage means the total amount of water used for industrial, agricultural, and for usage at home. Usage actually means when water is not returned to its source and is consumed completely. Agriculture uses about 70% of the world's freshwater, then our industries need gallons of water to operate, all this combined with senseless usage of water for direct and indirect purposes, population growth, urbanisation, and climate change, all these put stress on water resources and have created a state of water crisis all over the world. Hospitals, restaurants, laundries, hotels, car washes, and health clubs all add to water usage and put huge stress on water resources.

Water Consumption

This means that water received from its sources is not returned to its original source from where it was originally withdrawn. Consumption occurs when water goes into the atmosphere in the form of vapour also. Water consumption can be defined as the difference between water withdrawn and water used for various purposes.

5 Sources of Water

Water is an elixir and is received from lakes, rivers, ponds, underground wells, and glaciers. Water is used for drinking, washing, cleaning, and cooking and it's our most vital resource necessary for the survival of the human race. Households use water for showers, washing machines, cleaning purposes, watering lawns, etc.

How Many Litres of Water to Drink Per Day

On average, it is 2.7 litres a day for women and 3.7 litres a day for men. This may include fluid from beverages, and from food. It varies from person to person, depending on age, gender, and physical activities.

Interesting Facts

• It's a myth that caffeinated beverages or alcohol being consumed over the course of the day contributes to water intake, plain water is a much better choice as other beverages or alcohol have severe side effects, as caffeine acts as a diuretic.

• Consumption of water helps manage weight too, it helps in getting smooth and supple skin.

Key Features of How Much Water Do We Use

• Optimum water consumption helps in maintaining excellent overall health.

• Drinking too much water overburdens the kidneys and they cannot get rid of the excess water thus resulting in the sodium content of our blood getting diluted.

• Agriculture uses about 70% of the world's fresh water.

• Water consumption can be defined as the difference between water withdrawn and water used for various purposes.