Fast Facts on Drinking Water: What Every South African Should Know

Quick, science-backed facts about hydration that might surprise you

Whether you’re reaching for tap, bottled, or alkaline water, these essential facts will help you make informed decisions about your daily hydration. Here’s what the science tells us about water and your body.

Your Body & Water: The Numbers

75% – Amount of your brain that is water

60% – Percentage of your adult body made up of water

31% – How much your bones contain water

83% – Water content in your lungs

73% – Water percentage in your heart and muscles

2% – Body water loss that triggers thirst

1-2% – Dehydration level that impairs cognitive function

Daily Water Loss & Needs

2.5 litres – Average daily water loss through breathing, sweating, and elimination

1.2 litres – Water lost through breathing alone per day

0.5 litres – Daily water loss through skin even without sweating

6-8 glasses – General recommendation, but individual needs vary

+500ml – Extra water needed for every hour of exercise

+1 litre – Additional water needed in hot South African summer days

Hydration Timing Facts

14 minutes – Time for water to reach your bloodstream after drinking

45 minutes – Peak hydration after consuming water

Morning – You’re most dehydrated after 7-8 hours without water

5-10 minutes – Drinking water this long before meals may aid digestion

30% – Metabolism boost lasting up to 60 minutes after drinking 500ml

Water Quality & pH Facts

7.0 – Neutral pH of pure water

6.5-8.5 – WHO acceptable pH range for drinking water

3-4 – pH of carbonated/sparkling water

8-9.5 – pH of alkaline water

5.5 – pH level below which tooth enamel begins to erode

South African Water Reality

3.3 million – South Africans without access to clean drinking water

19% – South African households that don’t trust their tap water quality

R2.3 billion – Annual bottled water market in South Africa

400% – Growth in bottled water consumption over the past decade

11 litres – Average annual bottled water consumption per South African

Performance & Productivity

2% dehydration – Causes 10% decrease in athletic performance

3% dehydration – Results in 25% reduction in work productivity

23% – Increase in productivity from proper hydration

14% – Improvement in reaction time when well-hydrated

30% – Better concentration levels with adequate hydration

Health Impact Facts

50% – Reduction in bladder cancer risk with adequate hydration

45% – Decreased risk of colon cancer with proper water intake

5 glasses daily – Associated with 41% lower risk of heart disease

8-10 glasses – Can reduce joint pain in up to 80% of sufferers

1 glass before bed – May help prevent strokes and heart attacks

Dehydration Warning Signs

Dark urine – First visible sign (should be pale yellow)

3% – Body weight loss from water that causes severe dehydration

20% – Brain tissue shrinkage during dehydration

Fatigue – Most common symptom, affecting 73% of dehydrated people

Headaches – Experienced by 65% of mildly dehydrated individuals

Water Temperature Matters

16°C – Optimal temperature for hydration absorption

Cold water – Burns 8 more calories per glass as body warms it

Room temperature – Best for digestion and detoxification

Warm water – Helps dissolve and dissipate things you eat

Surprising Water Facts

45 litres – Water needed to process a single can of fizzy drink

75% – People who are chronically dehydrated

37% – People who mistake thirst for hunger

1 week – Maximum survival without water (3 weeks without food)

10 years – How much younger adequate hydration can make you look

The Alkaline Advantage

Smaller molecules – Alkaline water may have smaller molecular clusters

2x faster – Potential absorption rate compared to regular water

40% – Possible improvement in blood viscosity with alkaline water

Better oxygen flow – Alkaline water may improve oxygen delivery

Money Matters

R50-100 – Monthly tap water cost for average SA family

R500-1000 – Monthly bottled water expense for health-conscious families

R20,000 – Potential lifetime savings from preventing one kidney stone

R300,000 – Average cost of dialysis per year in South Africa

Environmental Impact

450 years – Time for a plastic bottle to decompose

3 litres – Water needed to produce 1 litre of bottled water

17 million – Barrels of oil used annually for plastic water bottles globally

80% – Plastic bottles that end up in landfills or oceans

The Bottom Line

Water isn’t just a thirst quencher – it’s your body’s most essential nutrient. Every cell, tissue, and organ depends on proper hydration to function optimally. With South Africa’s water challenges and health concerns, choosing quality water isn’t a luxury; it’s an investment in your wellbeing.

Make every drop count with Aquamenti Premium Alkaline Water pH 9.5

For orders and information: Call/WhatsApp: 066 025 4860 Email: orders@aquamenti.co.za

Stay informed, stay hydrated, stay healthy.

Facts compiled from WHO, South African Department of Water Affairs, medical journals, and health research institutions. Individual hydration needs may vary.