Drinking water consumption surveys by MORI 2003 - 2005
The great majority of people in Britain drink much less water than they think they should, according to MORI surveys for the Water for Health Alliance.
Survey outline
A series of short surveys were commissioned by Water UK to explore public habits and perceptions regarding drinking water. The surveys were conducted in February 2003, September 2004 and April 2005. All interviews were conducted by telephone among a representative sample of at least 1,000 respondents aged 16 and over.
More than three quarters of us believe that good hydration is important to reduce the risk of kidney damage, and many people understand at least some of the many health benefits associated with drinking sufficient water. Yet among the over 55s, the MORI omnibus findings point to:
• Consumption averages just over 3 glasses of water a day.
• Those surveyed drink around half the amount of water they believe they should be drinking.
• One age group drinks less than half of what is currently considered best practice (6-8 glasses, or 2 litres, each day).
• One in ten over 55s drink less than 1 glass of water each day; nearly one third of over 55s drink just 1-2 glasses of water (2005 study).
• Around 90% of the over 55s recognise that there is a reduced risk of kidney damage if they drink more water.
• Just half of the over 55s recognise that drinking water will leave them feeling more energetic; one third know that it can reduce certain cancers; and one quarter understand that good hydration can prevent falls.
Medical research points to widespread health risks associated with dehydration, including constipation, urinary infections, falls, certain cancers, coronary heart disease and many other conditions associated with older people. Significantly, the research has shown that those who understand more about the health benefits associated with good hydration tend to drink more.
The related findings of the last three national MORI telephone omnibus surveys are attached here.
October 2005
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