Only 18% of People Closely Monitor Their Daily Water Intake

А national survey shows that the average water intake of Bulgarians is below the recommended level, while hydration habits remain inconsistent

Bulgarians are aware of the importance of hydration, but their actual habits do not meet the recommendations for healthy water intake. Only 18% of people strictly monitor their daily intake, while almost one-third of adults admit they do not drink enough water. These are the results of a nationally representative survey conducted by Ipsos in Bulgaria in 2025 among 1,000 people aged 16 to 69, commissioned by “Bankya.”

The key findings outline several important trends:

• Average daily water intake among adults is 1.8 L, while among children it is 1.3 L;
• Nearly 1/3 of Bulgarians admit they do not drink enough water;
• 1 in 3 children drinks less than 1 liter of water per day;
• 9 out of 10 people believe that drinking water is important for health, but they are not fully aware of the specific benefits;
• Bottled water is more commonly consumed than tap water, with mineral water being the most popular;
• A similar share of people receive information about hydration from doctors as from friends, social media, and television.

Although respondents think the optimal amount of water is about 2.2 liters per day, their actual intake remains significantly lower at 1.8 liters. Among children, the situation is similar—the average daily intake is 1.3 liters compared to the perceived necessary 1.5 liters. One-third of parents admit their children drink less than 1 liter of water daily.

The data shows that one-quarter of parents with children under 2 years old do not recognize the signs of dehydration, and nearly half do not know the recommended daily amount of water for them.

“Water needs in men are higher than in women due to differences in body mass and composition. According to existing scientific evidence and expert recommendations, daily water requirements can be determined by intake per kilogram of body weight. The guidelines are: for individuals aged 16–30 years – 35–40 ml/kg b.w., for ages 31–54 – 30–35 ml/kg b.w., for ages 55–65 – 25–30 ml/kg b.w. For infants and small children, the amounts are higher – 150–100 ml/kg b.w.,” explains Prof. Dr. Veselka Duleva, National Consultant on Nutrition and Dietetics at NCPHP.

Water remains the most frequently consumed beverage—on average 6 times per day. It is followed by coffee (2 times) and soft drinks (once). Different age groups show specific preferences: young people up to 29 years old more often choose iced tea, juices, and energy drinks, while coffee is particularly popular among people aged 50–59.

Preferences for types of water also vary. Bottled mineral water is the most consumed—64% of respondents drink it regularly. When it comes to choosing water, only one-third of respondents admit they read the labels of bottled water to learn about its composition and origin.

Water is perceived as a key factor in maintaining overall health (91%), but not everyone is fully aware of the specific benefits of hydration. Only half of respondents strongly associate it with better digestion or maintaining a healthy weight.

Over 40% strongly associate water balance with physical condition—muscle function, recovery after exercise, effects on joints and flexibility, as well as maintaining energy.

Regarding mental health, about one-third of respondents are fully convinced that water brings calmness and helps cope with stress. Young people aged 20–29 most often believe that regular hydration has a positive effect on mental well-being and reduces stress levels.

When it comes to information on hydration, Bulgarians most often rely on friends, social media, and television. 31% stated they consult their personal doctor or pediatrician, while 16% look for specialized literature. Women and respondents aged 20–29 cite social media as their main source of information, while people aged 60–69 rely more than other groups on specialized literature.

“The survey results clearly show that although water is perceived as essential for health, Bulgarians’ actual habits remain insufficient. Particularly concerning is the high percentage of people who seek information mainly from the internet and social media instead of medical experts. That’s why our ambition is to be a partner in encouraging better habits and a healthier lifestyle,” commented Vladimir Popov, Senior Brand Manager “Still Portfolio,” Coca-Cola Bulgaria.

“Water is essential for all vital body functions—from digestion and metabolism to concentration and physical endurance. Even mild dehydration can negatively affect performance and overall health, while children are particularly vulnerable to insufficient intake. That is why it is important to build habits for regular water consumption from an early age and to encourage choosing water as the main source of hydration,” added Prof. Duleva.

“Regular water intake is one of the easiest yet most underestimated ways to take care of health, especially in children. Building habits of regular water consumption from an early age supports concentration, energy levels, and children’s overall physical and mental development,” commented Dr. Raina Tomova, pediatrician.

*The survey was conducted among 1,000 respondents aged 16 to 69 between July 23 and August 5, 2025, commissioned by ‘Bankya’, using a combination of face-to-face interviews and online questionnaires.