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5 Tips for Staying Hydrated on the Go!

5 Tips for Staying Hydrated on the Go!

by Steven Corbett in News

Ah, the great British Summer.

A time to holiday, hike and have hours of fun in the great outdoors. Whilst it’s still unclear if this summer will be a washout, or if we may be treated to a heatwave, one thing that will be consistent throughout is that you need to stay hydrated - wherever the wind takes you!

There are general rules of thumb when it comes to how much water you should drink in a day, and during warmer weather it is particularly important to stay on top of your  water intake. If you are out and about, enjoying the sights and sounds of world around you, there are a few ways you can optimise your hydration and stay on top of your drinking enough to keep you going.

Five Tips for staying hydrated on the go:

1: Plan ahead

Plan your day ahead to ensure that you have everything you need. From the routes you will be taking, supplies you will pack, through to facilities along the way! If you’re on a hike, or a particularly lengthy adventure, set reminders on your watch or phone to prompt you to drink and eat regularly. It’s easy to lose track when you’re exploring!

2: Preparation is key

About 2 hours before you set out for the day, drink at least one large glass of water to prepare your body for the adventure ahead. If you can’t face a full large glass, or conscious of toilet facilities, don’t forget you can also eat water-rich fuels to release some good ol’ H2O as you digest them.

3: Make sure water is available

Some popular trails and locations may have access to safe drinking water en route. However, if you’re going to an outdoor event or camping, you may want to take something like a Gravity Water Filter System along, to keep safe drinking water flowing, or a reusable water filter bottle to keep in your backpack and stay topped up. Try to avoid buying bottled water as the cost could mount up for longer and more frequent days out! We have uncovered the costs of bottled water vs our filters in our recent blog post here.

4: Don't forget a snack

If you are out and about hiking or walking for long periods of time and losing water through sweat, you will experience loss of essential electrolytes. The best way to ensure you replenish electrolytes is with a snack that contains potassium, sodium and magnesium. Some great snacks to take with you could be bananas, yoghurt pouches and mixed nuts.

5: Rehydrate

After a long day out, it is important to rehydrate. Especially if you’ve been doing physical activities in warmer weather. Your body needs water to repair and rejuvenate, ready to keep going the next day! Once you’ve hit home ground again, relax, unwind and drink some additional water so that your body can replenish itself.

When you are away from home or work, it can be easy to ‘forget’ simple tasks we do every day – such as drinking water. With this, you can be slightly more prone to becoming dehydrated. So, listen to your body and be vigilant of the warning signs.

Warning Signs of Dehydration

  •        Feeling thirsty and having a dry mouth
  •        Darker urine with a stronger odour
  •        Not passing urine as regularly
  •        Feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded
  •        Sunken eyes, dry lips and mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, drink water immediately, and if the signs persist check in with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Remember to have fun!

Whilst your travels should include staying on top of your water levels, it is also important to have fun no matter what you do! Take precautions, wear sunscreen, avoid injury and stay hydrated – wherever the wind takes you this summer, and beyond!

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Home vs. Office - Where are we staying most hydrated?

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Results from our recent survey reveal how workplace routines, taste perceptions, and trust issues shape the UK’s hydration divide. Our survey of 1,000 UK adults has uncovered the truth in how people hydrate at home versus at work. While most agree that drinking enough water improves wellbeing, focus and productivity, the data shows a clear gap in hydration habits. From home kitchens to office break rooms, a distinct behavioural gap emerges. Nearly 39% of people say they drink more water at home, versus in the office. And when it comes to what they’re drinking, bottled water dominates the workplace, despite the growing environmental concern around single use plastics – alongside the cost of choosing bottled water! So, what is the truth around how the nation's hydration habits at home, versus in the office. Here are some of our key findings at a glance: ●     47.8% of UK workers drink bottled water at work, highlighting a major reliance on single-use plastics ●     94.1% say hydration improves concentration and productivity, reinforcing its importance in overall wellbeing ●     32.8% would drink more tap water at work if it tasted better - making flavour the biggest barrier for choosing tap ●     38.8% drink more water at home than at work (30.6%), suggesting a hydration gap driven by environment. ●     43.3% already use a home water filter, and another 18.1% are considering one. The Hydration Divide: Home vs. Work. At home, hydration is often part of people’s routine, with easy access to preferred water sources and personal control over quality. In contrast, workplace environments present challenges such as back to back meetings, limited access to water, and concerns about the taste and quality of tap water. Our survey also revealed  that 32.8% of respondents said better-tasting tap water would encourage them to drink more at work. Despite the popular belief that tap water doesn’t doesn’t have a taste Interestingly, and despite recent reports in the media, more than 60% of our survey participants  trusted the safety of their local tap water. Meaning that taste remains a significant factor influencing preferences. Our NPD & Technical Director, Joy, notes: “Our hydration habits are deeply influenced by the environments we spend time in. This research shows that taste and accessibility are key barriers at work. Addressing these concerns could unlock healthier, more sustainable hydration choices that benefit wellbeing and reduce reliance on single-use plastics.” The Benefits of Using a Water Filtration System With nearly half of the respondents relying on bottled water at work despite environmental concerns, and many more using or considering water filters at home, it’s clear that people want better water solutions. Installing a solution at home, such as our under sink water filter systems, offers several advantages that can help bridge the hydration gap between home and work: ●     Improved Taste The filtration process takes out impurities that can cause the metallic taste and bleachy odours people find present in their drinking water. ●     Enhanced Health and SafetyAdvanced filtration processes utilise innovative technology to reduce harmful substances such as lead, chlorine and other common contaminants ●     Environmentally FriendlyUsing a water filter significantly reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bottles, helping to lower plastic waste and carbon footprints. Ceramic water filters can also help to reduce your carbon footprints with their ability to be added to compost. ●     Cost-Effective and ConvenientFiltered water is often more economical over time compared to constantly purchasing bottled water. ●     Supports Wellbeing and ProductivityHydration is crucial for maintaining focus and energy throughout the day it can also support skin health, and general wellness. Time to bin the bottle? Despite growing public awareness around plastic pollution, nearly half of UK workers surveyed still reach for bottled water at work - a behaviour that doesn't line up with wider sustainability goals. Why? It comes down to convenience, habit, and perception. Bottled water still feels like the “safe” or “better-tasting” option, especially in environments where the alternative isn’t appealing or trusted. But with hydration so closely tied to wellbeing and performance, this trade-off is starting to look outdated. What the Data Tells Us About Changing Habits One of the most encouraging takeaways from our survey is that these preferences aren't fixed. The data doesn’t show people choosing plastic out of loyalty - it shows people making pragmatic choices based on their environment. In fact, many are open to change if the conditions are right: ●     32.8% said they’d drink more tap water at work if it simply tasted better ●     19.2% would be more likely to drink tap water if their employer provided a reusable bottle ●     And a large portion of people are already improving water quality at home with water filter systems This is a chance to understand why bottled water still dominates and what the subtle factors are that influence our choices. It’s not always about what we care about most, it’s often about what’s most convenient. Especially in the fast paced world, where people often seek quicker solutions for common concerns. When we talk about water access, taste really does shape how and what we choose to drink. Having easy access to a reusable bottle with a water filter inside, or having a filtered water system available at work can naturally encourage healthier habits. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference to both your hydration levels and the planet. Joy continues: “These findings highlight how much our environment shapes our hydration habits. It’s encouraging to see that so many people are thinking about the quality and taste of their water, both at home and at work. This kind of data helps us understand where the real barriers are and where small changes, like improving taste, could make a meaningful difference in daily routines.” A Smarter, Greener Way to Hydrate This snapshot of the UK’s water habits offers a deeper understanding of how the UK public approach hydration in different spaces. From the home to the workplace, it’s clear that convenience, taste, and trust play significant roles in how we stay hydrated. What’s clear is that hydration is about more than health. It intersects with productivity, sustainability, and personal habits. This research acts as a springboard to conversations about how we live, work, and care for both ourselves and the planet. Methodology To gain insight into hydration habits across different environments, we conducted a quantitative survey of 1,000 UK adults aged 18 and over. The survey was designed to explore patterns of water consumption at home versus work, attitudes towards tap and bottled water, and factors influencing hydration choices.

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How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?

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Water. We know we need it. But do we know how much? When it comes to your daily beverage choices, it can seem that there's almost too much choice available. With a wide array of options including coffee, tea, cordials, sugary drinks, or diet carbonated beverages – we often don’t feel dehydrated, even when our bodies are crying out for more water in its simplest form. When you consider the drinks you consume, they can often be laden with detrimental ingredients, or stimulants, that can have an impact on your overall health. Even sugar-free options, which are lower in calories, can contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame which can have negative effects in the long term - as demonstrated by comprehensive evaluations by reputable organisations such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). This is why you should be mindful of how many of these beverages you do consume in a day, and instead focus on your daily water intake. Why is Water Important? Water is essential for life and is involved in all functions of the human body1. As the largest single constituent of the human body, making up approximately 60% of the adult and 75% of children's bodies, respectively3 we need to pay attention to what we drink throughout the day to ensure that we are meeting our daily water needs as not doing so may have negative health effects4. Water also: ·       Regulates body temperature ·       Helps to transport nutrients ·       Assists digestion and waste excretion  ·       Acts as a ‘shock absorber’ for vital organs ·       Helps maintain blood pressure This means that, beyond hydration, water is absolutely essential to all of your bodily functions. How Much Should You Drink a Day? Public confusion about how much plain water to drink continues to the present day10. Several organisations, such as World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Health Service (NHS) have conducted extensive research on how much water you should drink a day. The recommendations can also vary depending on a range of factors, including age, weight, activity levels and climate! This is alongside a whole range of other variables per person. For years, a 1945 US Food and Nutrition Board report was used as a rule of thumb for human water consumption. Known as the “8 × 8” rule, it stated that an adult should drink eight 8-oz glasses of water a day (64 oz). Despite more recent studies showing that it is insufficient, the recommendation of drinking eight 8-oz glasses of water a day continues to be referred to today8. You may be trying to achieve this figure and struggling - and the reason is quite simple. And the reason is that each individual is different and your water intake is directly associated with the aforementioned range of factors (such as age, weight, lifestyle and climate). Take, for instance, the minimum daily water intake necessary for fluid replenishment in a human weighing 70 kg residing in a cooler region, this corresponds to 3 litres per day or 42.9 millilitres per kilogram. Conversely, the minimal water needs for a person of the same weight residing in a warmer area ranges from 4.1 to 6 litres per day, or 58.6 to 85.7 millilitres per kilogram6. Therefore, human water requirements should be based on personal requirements, as trying to adhere to stricter guidelines may eventually lead to a deficit and possible adverse performance and health consequences7. Some water can also be taken into the body through foods you eat. With a healthy and well-balanced diet, about 20% of water consumption is from food. To determine your daily water intake, a healthy adult requires around 35 ml of water each day per kilogram of body weight. Foods That Help Hydration If you struggle to drink you water intake, you could boost your hydration by eating your water too! Several well-known foods that are naturally high in water content and can contribute to your overall hydration. These include: ·       Watermelon ·       Cucumber ·       Lettuce ·       Oranges ·       Broths and soups (but be aware of sodium levels for these) How Much Water Should You Drink Per Hour? Water, or its lack of (dehydration), can influence cognition2. Studies have shown that mild levels of dehydration can produce disruptions in mood and cognitive functioning11. Underhydration has also been linked to an increased risk of major health issues such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and obesity. So, when it comes to staying properly hydrated, the question of how much water to drink per hour frequently arises. 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Pay attention to the smell, too, as changes in odour can also signal shifts in hydration levels.   Tips to Drink More Water Each Day: Have a visual reminder –  Adding a visual reminder to stay hydrated is a great step to making sure that you hit your daily water goals. Try placing a water filter system such as the British Berkefeld Gravity Can in your kitchen, dining room, office, or even garden in the summer, to ensure that you and your family drink enough water.   Take it on the go – A reusable water bottle can be popped into your bag and taken anywhere you go. If you choose a reusable bottle with a water filter inside, you also don’t have to worry about the taste or quality of water when out and about. Note that this type of filter (as with all Doulton and British Berkefeld systems) is only suitable for drinking water from taps, not natural water sources such as rivers or lakes. Improve the taste -  Some people like to add cordials or fruit to their water to improve the taste. This is great to encourage children to keep drinking their water throughout the day, especially if you include them in the water infusion process! However, be cautious when it comes to cordials due to sugar and/or sweetener content. Eat your water – As mentioned, there are a range of foods that have a high water content and can contribute to your daily hydration. Include this as part of a balanced diet and avoiding dehydration, especially in the summer months, will feel effortless.   References 1. Liska, D., Mah, E., Brisbois, T., Barrios, P. L., Baker, L. B., & Spriet, L. L. (2019). Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population. Nutrients, 11(1), 70.3. Liska, D., Mah, E., Brisbois, T., Barrios, P. L., Baker, L. B., & Spriet, L. L. (2019). Narrative review of hydration and selected health outcomes in the general population. Nutrients, 11(1), 70.4. Jéquier, E., & Constant, F. (2010). Water as an essential nutrient: the physiological basis of hydration. European journal of clinical nutrition, 64(2), 115-123.5. Stookey, J. D., & Kavouras, S. A. (2020). Water researchers do not have a strategic plan for gathering evidence to inform water intake recommendations to prevent chronic disease. Nutrients, 12(11), 3359. 6. Burlingame, G. (2006). How Much Water Should We Drink? Opflow, 32(2), 8-9. 7. Dai, B., Chen, R. C., & Ding, Y. Y. (2019). A practical approach for estimating human daily water intake. International Journal of Embedded Systems, 11(2), 210-219. 8. Sawka, M. N., Cheuvront, S. N., & Carter, R. (2005). Human water needs. Nutrition reviews, 63(suppl_1), S30-S39. 9. Dai, B., Chen, R. C., & Ding, Y. Y. (2019). A practical approach for estimating human daily water intake. International Journal of Embedded Systems, 11(2), 210-219. 10. Tarulli, K., Bales, D., & Wallinga, C. (2014). How much water should you drink? 11. Popkin, B. M., D'Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition reviews, 68(8), 439-458. 12. Rodger, A., & Papies, E. K. (2022). “I don't just drink water for the sake of it”: Understanding the influence of value, reward, self-identity, and early life on water drinking behaviour. Food Quality and Preference, 99, 104576.13. Tsindos, S. (2012). What drove us to drink 2 litres of water a day?14. World Health Organization. (2005). Nutrients in drinking water (No. WHO/SDE/WSH/05.09). World Health Organization.15. Kurdak, S. S., Shirreffs, S. M., Maughan, R. J., Ozgünen, K. T., Zeren, C., Korkmaz, S. E. L. C. E. N., ... & Dvorak, J. (2010). Hydration and sweating responses to hot‐weather football competition. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 20, 133-139.

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Three ways filtered water maximises your matcha.

Three ways filtered water maximises your matcha.

Matcha has recently taken the world by storm, and for good reason! Across social media channels you will see this vibrant green beverage served with a range of exciting additions. From blueberries and strawberries to a banana bread foam (yes, this one surprised us too!) and many combinations in between. To many, it is more than just a trend though. Praised for centuries for its health benefits, matcha is a type of green tea that offers a unique blend of energy, calm, and powerful antioxidants. Despite all of the health and wellbeing benefits, it’s important to remember that one cannot function on matcha alone! There is one simple addition to your matcha moment that can enhance the benefits even more: Filtered water. Let’s start with the basics, though: What is matcha? Matcha is a type of green tea that originates from Japan, with some roots also tracing it back to ancient China. 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Balancing your hydration.Whilst it does not contain anywhere near as much caffeine as coffee, matcha still does contain this common stimulant. As such, this acts as a diuretic and can lead to very mild dehydration. Pair your matcha with filtered water to replenish effectively and maintain hydration levels throughout the day. Helps to absorb the goodness!Filtered water reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities often found within your drinking water. By choosing filtered water, you create a more efficient pathway for nutrients and antioxidants found in your matcha to be absorbed more effectively. Enhances the tasteMatcha holds a complex and rather unique flavour profile that includes notes of umami, bitterness, sweetness, and earthy qualities. By using filtered water in both the preparation and between sips of matcha, it helps to cleanse your palate and allows you to enjoy these flavours more intensely. 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