Daily water needs
Daily water intake from age 14, based on DGE reference values.
Your daily water
An estimate for healthy adults, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 or under medical care, ask a doctor.
How it is worked out
DGE sets a reference value for total water by age, identical for women and men. Total water includes drinks, food, and the water your body makes when it metabolises food. The totals are 2.45 litres a day at 14, 2.8 from 15 to 18, 2.7 from 19 to 24, 2.6 from 25 to 50, and 2.25 from 51. The second line is the amount DGE expects from drinks: 1.33 litres a day at 14, 1.53 from 15 to 18, 1.47 from 19 to 24, 1.41 from 25 to 50, 1.23 from 51 to 64, and 1.31 from 65. Hot weather and exercise increase this need.
Source: German Nutrition Society (DGE), reference values for water, derived in 2000.