The general daily water intake recommendations are:
- For adult men: about 130 ounces (approximately 13 cups) of total fluids per day
- For adult women: about 95 ounces (approximately 9 cups) of total fluids per day
These amounts include all beverages and water-containing foods, not just plain water
. For children, the recommendations vary by age:
- Ages 4 to 8: about 40 ounces (5 cups)
- Ages 9 to 13: 56 to 64 ounces (7 to 8 cups)
- Ages 14 to 18: 64 to 88 ounces (8 to 11 cups)
Pregnant women are advised to consume about 80 ounces (10 cups) daily, while breastfeeding women may need up to 104 ounces (13 cups)
. These guidelines are flexible and depend on factors such as physical activity, climate, age, and individual health. People who exercise frequently or live in hot climates typically require more fluids
. The common "eight 8-ounce glasses per day" rule (64 ounces) is a rough guideline and may not be sufficient or necessary for everyone
. In summary, aiming for around 95 to 130 ounces of fluids daily for adults, adjusted for personal circumstances, is recommended.