Sort of on topic (
), I found this article interesting:
Exactly how much water is healthy differs between populations and even from person to person, however. Currently there are two different recommendations for water intake, which includes water from food. The first, from the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, recommends 3.7 liters of water a day for men and 2.7 liters for women, while advising pregnant and lactating women to increase their intake by 300 and 700 milliliters, respectively. The second, from the European Food Safety Authority, recommends 2.5 and 2.0 liters a day for men and women, respectively, with the same increases for pregnant and lactating women.
In fact, water intake varies widely even in relatively water-secure locations such as the U.S. Most men consume between 1.2 and 6.3 liters on a given day and women between 1.0 and 5.1 liters. [1 liter is about 1/4 gallon / 4 cups / 32 fl oz]
Yet it is also the case that two people of similar age and physical condition living in the same environment can consume drastically different amounts of water and both be healthy, at least in the short term. Such variation may relate to early life experiences. Humans undergo a sensitive period during fetal development that influences many physiological functions, among them how our bodies balance water. We receive cues about our nutritional environment while in the womb and during nursing. This information may shape the offspring’s water needs.
…early life experiences may determine how much water we drink without our being aware of it
In the U.S., around 20 percent of the water people ingest comes from food, yet my work among Tsimane’ found that foods, including fruits, contribute up to 50 percent of their total water intake. Adults in Japan, who typically drink less water than adults in the U.S., also get around half their water from the foods they eat.
I guess my takeaway is that we shouldn’t obsess too much about how much water we drink - just drink when you’re thirsty. You are getting a substantial portion of your hydration from food and beverages besides water. Your body has gotten itself accustomed to the amount of water you tend to drink (and vice versa).
I’d agree with you. I think I shared this before, but I had a medical prof at UCSD who told us, “Just pee clear once a day.” Easy rule of thumb to remember.
Summer holidays. I’m doing my usual school holiday nocturnal routine 
