Staying hydrated

Follow our top tips to stay hydrated and tap into a healthier lifestyle.

We recommend drinking six to eight glasses of tap water (around 1.2 litres) a day to stay hydrated.

If you're struggling to drink enough water, follow our top tips to stay hydrated.

Add fruit to your drink

Try adding pieces of fruit (such as lemon, lime or orange slices) to a glass or bottle of tap water. Doing this will add some essential vitamins and minerals to your drink, as well as giving it a fruity taste.

Water mixed with fruit in a glass jar

Use a refillable water bottle

Taking a refillable water bottle with you on your travels will ensure you always have a drink nearby. Using a refillable bottle instead of bottled water is also a lot cheaper and better for the environment.

Eat water-rich foods

Eating water-rich foods (such as cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries) is a great way to increase your water intake. These foods tend to be fruits and vegetables, so consuming them will also help you to maintain a healthy diet.

Drink water when consuming alcohol

Alcohol is a diuretic, so drinking lots of it makes you go to the toilet more. It’s important that you replace the water that leaves your body when drinking alcohol to ensure you don’t get dehydrated.

Set hydration reminders

If you live a busy lifestyle, drinking water regularly can sometimes become an afterthought. There are a variety of hydration apps that will remind you to drink, while also allowing you to set goals and track your progress.

Male runner drinking water from a refillable water bottle

Signs of dehydration

You’re dehydrated when you lose more fluids than you have consumed. Feeling thirsty is usually a good indication that you have become dehydrated.

If you struggle to recognise when you should have a drink, other signs of dehydration include:

  • strong-smelling pee
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • feeling tired
  • dry mouth, lips or eyes
  • bad breath
  • headaches
  • urinating less than usual.

Top up with tap water for free

We have installed water refill points in towns and cities across the region to help customers stay hydrated when out and about.

See our refill map