What Percent of People Don't Drink Water? Unpacking a Global Hydration Issue

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 7% of U.S. adults reported drinking no plain water daily, indicating a significant hydration gap. This issue, framed by the question of what percent of people don't drink water, highlights a more widespread challenge of inadequate fluid consumption for many individuals worldwide.

Quick Summary

Examines the real statistics behind low and no plain water consumption, exploring the health risks of inadequate hydration and providing actionable tips to increase daily fluid intake for better health.

Key Points

Significant Non-Consumption: Approximately 7% of U.S. adults report drinking no plain water daily, indicating a crucial hydration gap.
Widespread Inadequacy: Beyond plain water abstinence, nearly 80% of the population may not be consuming enough water for optimal health.
Health Consequences: Inadequate hydration can lead to a range of issues, including fatigue, headaches, poor skin, and increased risk of kidney stones.
Mental Impairment: Even mild dehydration can negatively affect cognitive function, mood, and concentration.
Simple Hydration Boosts: Practical tips like carrying a reusable bottle, flavoring water, and eating water-rich foods can help increase daily intake.
Not Just About Water: About 20% of daily fluid intake comes from water-rich foods, and all fluids contribute, though plain water is the healthiest choice.
Prioritize Consistency: Developing consistent habits, like drinking water upon waking or with meals, is key to maintaining proper hydration.

The Nuance Behind the Numbers: Not Drinking vs. Not Drinking Enough

The straightforward question, “what percent of people don't drink water,” has a complex answer. While the CDC statistic of 7% of U.S. adults drinking no plain water daily is notable, it's just one piece of the puzzle. The more prevalent issue is that a much larger portion of the population fails to drink enough water for optimal health. Multiple sources indicate that nearly 80% of people may fall into this category, relying on other, less-beneficial sources for their fluids. Understanding this distinction is crucial to addressing the global hydration crisis.

Why Do People Fail to Drink Enough Water?

Several factors contribute to inadequate water intake, ranging from personal habits to environmental factors:

Reliance on Other Beverages: Many people substitute plain water with sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sweetened coffee. These beverages contribute to daily fluid intake but can harm health due to high sugar content.
Forgetting to Drink: In a fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook simple needs like hydration. People often forget to drink water unless they feel intensely thirsty, by which point mild dehydration may have already set in.
Perceived Poor Taste: For some, the taste of tap water is unappealing. Investing in a water filter can make tap water more palatable, but a perceived poor taste can still deter consumption.
Lack of Access: In some regions, access to safe drinking water is a significant problem. While this is less common in developed nations, it is a global crisis impacting billions.

The Health Ramifications of Inadequate Hydration

Not drinking enough water has a wide range of negative health consequences, from mild symptoms to serious long-term conditions.

Physical Effects
- Fatigue and Headaches: Even mild dehydration can cause noticeable drops in energy levels and trigger headaches.
- Poor Skin Health: Chronic dehydration can lead to dry skin and may contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Digestive Issues: Water is essential for healthy digestion. A lack of it can lead to constipation and other gastrointestinal problems.
- Kidney Problems: Chronic, severe dehydration increases the risk of developing kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Mental Effects
- Cognitive Decline: Studies have shown that a lack of water can impair cognitive functions, including concentration, memory, and decision-making.
- Mood Changes: Dehydration can lead to increased irritability and fatigue, impacting mood and relationships.

Comparing Hydration Sources: Plain Water vs. Alternatives


Feature	Plain Water	Flavored Water (Sugar-Free)	Sugary Drinks (Juice, Soda)	Water-Rich Foods (Fruits, Veggies)
Hydration Efficacy	Excellent, replenishes fluids with no additives.	Very good, adds flavor without extra sugar or calories.	Poor, often contains dehydrating ingredients and high sugar.	Good, contributes significantly to daily intake (approx. 20%).
Nutritional Value	None, but essential for all bodily functions.	None, focuses on providing fluid.	Low to none, can contain excessive calories and sugars.	High, provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber in addition to fluid.
Cost	Lowest, especially tap water.	Moderate, depending on brand and format.	Higher, a more expensive daily habit.	Moderate to high, depending on produce.
Taste/Appeal	Neutral, but can be flavored easily.	High for those who dislike plain water.	High, but comes with significant health drawbacks.	High, offers a variety of flavors and textures.

How to Increase Your Daily Water Consumption

Increasing your daily water intake doesn't have to be a chore. Simple, consistent habits can make a huge difference.

Always Carry a Reusable Bottle: Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day. This constant visual reminder makes it more likely that you'll take a sip.
Flavor Your Water Naturally: If plain water is unappealing, infuse it with natural flavors using lemon, lime, cucumber, or mint. This makes staying hydrated a treat.
Eat Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods like watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, and celery into your diet. These foods contribute to your overall fluid intake.
Set Reminders: Use your phone or a hydration-tracking app to set regular reminders to drink. Making it a routine can build a lasting habit.
Link it to Your Routines: Pair drinking water with a regular daily activity. For instance, have a glass of water before each meal, upon waking up, or while brushing your teeth.
Drink a Glass After Waking Up: You wake up slightly dehydrated every morning. A glass of water first thing kickstarts your hydration for the day.

Conclusion: Making Hydration a Priority

The statistic on what percent of people don't drink water is a powerful call to action, revealing a widespread gap in a fundamental health habit. While outright non-consumption is less common, the prevalence of inadequate fluid intake is a serious concern with significant health consequences, from minor fatigue to long-term chronic issues. By understanding the causes of low intake and implementing simple, practical strategies, individuals can prioritize hydration. Making small, consistent changes—like carrying a water bottle or flavoring your water—can lead to profound improvements in overall physical and mental well-being. Ultimately, proper hydration is a cornerstone of good health that is within everyone's reach. For more information on water and sanitation, consider consulting authoritative sources like the World Health Organization (WHO), who track global water access issues.

Authoritative Source Link

For more detailed health information, please visit the official website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, excessive water intake can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the blood become dangerously low. This is rare but can be serious or fatal in extreme cases.

Early signs of dehydration often include fatigue, a dry mouth, increased thirst, and less frequent urination. These symptoms can worsen if fluid intake is not increased.

While most fluids contribute to hydration, plain water is the best choice. Beverages like soda and sweetened juice contain added sugars that can negatively impact health and are poor substitutes for water.

A simple way to check your hydration status is by observing the color of your urine. Pale yellow urine typically indicates good hydration, while darker yellow or amber can signal dehydration.

Yes, foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries, contribute significantly to your daily fluid intake. It's estimated that about 20% of your daily fluid comes from food.

For most people in areas with safe public water systems, tap water is a perfectly effective and much more economical source of hydration. If taste is a concern, a water filter can improve it.

Yes, both older adults and children are more susceptible to dehydration. Children are at higher risk during illness, and older adults may have a less-responsive thirst mechanism.

Consistently not drinking enough water can lead to chronic dehydration, causing persistent fatigue, headaches, constipation, and an increased risk for more serious health issues like kidney stones.