Truth Time: Do You Really Need 8 Glasses of Water a Day?

The exact water you need a day depends on many factors, including climate, physical activity, and your diet.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Updated on December 6, 2023

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You’ve likely heard the recommendation that eight glasses of water is the magic number for staying hydrated. This may not be a hard-and-fast rule since certain factors may affect your personal water consumption needs. 

In this video, learn how much water is recommended, and what factors might make someone need more water than others, according to Sharon Richter, RD, Registered Dietitian in New York City.

Additional Medical Contributors

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• Sharon Richter, RDSharon Richter is a registered dietitian with a private nutrition practice in New York City.

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References

Brinkman, J. E., et al. (2023). Physiology, body fluids. StatPearls.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Get the facts: Data and research on water consumption.

View All References (3)

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Water and healthier drinks.

Ellis, E. (2023). Hydrate right. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Gordon, B., et al. (2022). How much water do you need? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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