Distinguishing drinks from total water

Drinks and total water are different quantities

A figure in litres only makes sense when you know what it counts. Does it refer to drinks or to total water intake? A water balance also includes water from food and water formed during metabolism. Converting the full total into extra glasses to drink confuses these categories. The DGE water reference table (German) lists the components separately.

A practical guide, not a fixed rule

The DGE gives adults a general orientation of about 1.5 litres of drinks a day, preferably water or other calorie-free drinks. This is not an exact amount for every person or situation. Heat and high physical activity can change requirements. A general recommendation does not replace a fluid amount prescribed by a clinician.

DGE: Drinking water (German).

Reading a water balance

This invented example adds three components:

The table describes 2.5 litres of total water, not 2.5 litres of drinks. The figures explain addition only; they are not a personal daily plan.

Read the heading before comparing

First check whether a table counts drinks or total water. Then read its age group and assumptions. Only then does comparing figures make sense. A general table cannot automatically account for every person's age, living conditions, heat or activity.