The amount of water you should drink daily depends on factors like age, sex, activity level, and climate. General guidelines from health authorities are:
- For adult men (19 years and older), about 13 cups (104 ounces) of beverages daily, which corresponds to about 3.7 liters (125 ounces) total fluid intake including food moisture
- For adult women (19 years and older), about 9 cups (72 ounces) of beverages daily, totaling about 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of fluids including food moisture
- Children’s needs vary by age, for example, 4-8 years old need about 40 ounces (5 cups), and teens 14-18 years old need 64-88 ounces (8-11 cups)
- Pregnant women should aim for about 10 cups (80 ounces), and breastfeeding women about 13 cups (104 ounces) of fluids daily
These amounts include all fluids consumed, not just plain water, as water content in food and other drinks contribute to hydration. The classic "eight 8-ounce glasses" (64 ounces) is a rough guideline but not scientifically precise for everyone
. Individual needs increase with physical activity, heat exposure, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Thirst and urine color are practical indicators to adjust intake accordingly
. In summary, a typical adult man should drink about 100-130 ounces of fluids daily, and a typical adult woman about 70-95 ounces, including water from all sources
