Nutrition Q & A
How Much Water Do I Need Each Day?
The Dietary Reference Intakes from the Institute of Medicine recommend a total daily beverage intake of 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women. This amount is for generally healthy people living in temperate climates. Individual needs vary so some people can be properly hydrated at somewhat higher or lower levels of water intake. Also, keep in mind that this recommended amount may come from a variety of sources. It includes other beverages—even those containing caffeine—in addition to the water that you drink.
When you're exposed to extreme temperatures—very hot or very cold—your body uses more water to maintain its normal temperature. Under these conditions, you may need to increase your fluid intake.