What does it do?
Water is part of cells and body fluids. It transports substances and helps regulate temperature. Drinks and foods both provide water, so drink amounts and total water intake are different measures.
Where can you find it?
Drinking water is a simple foundation. Fruit, vegetables, yoghurt and soups also contribute water. Reference tables count these separately from drinks.
Make it work in everyday life
Make drinking accessible: a glass on the table, an easy-to-open school bottle and a pause while out. Look for a practical obstacle rather than repeatedly insisting a bottle is emptied. Heat and activity may increase needs. Our full drinking article provides age-based amounts and examples; these are guides, not a daily performance test.
Does every child need two litres of drinking water?
No. Age and circumstances matter. Adult figures or total-water values should not simply become drinks targets for children.
Read more in the magazine: How much should children drink? Useful amounts and everyday routines
Sources & context
Read the underlying references here. Our everyday suggestions are examples, not calculated nutrition plans.
- DGE · Wasser ↗
Reference for functions, food sources and the limits of interpretation.
- SGE · Schweizer Ernährungsscheibe ↗
Reference for functions, food sources and the limits of interpretation.
- NHS · Dehydration ↗
Reference for functions, food sources and the limits of interpretation.
References checked: 13 October 2026. General nutrition information; not evidence of a Pureli product effect or a replacement for individual medical advice.
General guidance for families. Food examples are not a diagnosis, dosing instruction or guarantee of adequate intake. Symptoms, medical conditions or a very restricted food range need individual advice.
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