News from the South African water sector January 2004

Abstract

The American Water Works Association (AWWA), at a press conference on 11 February, released a few general guidelines for men and women on daily intake of water from all sources. The guidelines are from a report by a leading US science research organisation. “W e don’t offer any rule of thumb based on how many glasses of water people should drink a day, because our hydration needs can be met through a variety of sources in addition to water,” said Lawrence Appel, chair of the panel that wrote the report and professor of epidemiology and international health at John Hopkins University. Based on national data from the United States and Canada, the panel set the recommended dietary intake of 2.7 l for women and 3.7 l for men. Those who are more physically active or live in hot climates may need to consume more water, Appel advised. About 80% of people’s total water consumption comes from drinking water and other beverages and 20% from food. All sources of liquid – including caffeinated drinks – are countable for the recommended intake.

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