Water is critical for the
survival of every person. But how people think about and consume water does
vary - local habits and knowledge affect water consumption in specific ways.
Kantar TNS, a global market
research company, and Nestle Waters published a survey on attitudes about water
consumption looking specifically at seven countries: China, France, Italy,
Mexico, the UK, the US and Turkey.
What are the main differences
in water consumption and drinking habits among countries? What are the main
reasons people cite for drinking or not drinking water? How is information
about water and hydration habits perceived?
3,504 people were surveyed,
about 500 people per country. Each sample was representative of a population
aged 18 to 64 years (except for Mexico and Turkey, where the survey included
anyone over 18 - and in China, where the surveyed population was aged 18 to 55
years old). Not surprisingly all respondents in every country defined drinking
water as a daily habit.
Nine out of 10 participants
say they drink water every day - mostly bottled water (59%) and tap water (44%)
but also filtered water and water from drinking fountains (23% and 20%,
respectively). The UK emerged is the smallest daily consumer of bottled water
(39%) with Italy being the highest (81%). China stands out in the consumption
of water from drinking fountains (48%), with a 20% average across all
countries.
When respondents were asked
which beverage they drink every day, the most popular beverage after water is
milk for China and Mexico, and hot drinks for the other countries.
Nevertheless, the consumption of water is much higher than for any other
beverage: 68% of people drink at least 1 liter of water (of any kind) per day.
Regarding the other types of
drinks consumed daily, 4 out of 10 participants drink at least 1 glass of soda
per day on average, and sodas are consumed daily by 5 to 6 participants out of
10 in Turkey and Mexico. Sports and energy drinks are consumed daily by 1 out
of 5 participants in Mexico, Turkey and China. However 96% of people reported consuming
water all day long.
On average, 1 respondent in 4
often drinks water while driving, though the average rises to more than 1 in 3
in the US.
Drinking water, tap or
bottled, is foremost a question of need for 93% of the respondents but the
belief about the number of glasses needed per day differ between countries.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a link in the mind of the respondents between
the amount of water they think they should drink, and the amount of water they
consumed.
--8.9 glasses daily was the
amount an adult needs every day according to Turkey.
-8.5 glasses a day for Italy.
-6.1 glasses of water are
needed per day for those in the UK.
Bottled water is consumed for
health and safety reasons (93%), and because it is perceived to be “natural”
(91% believed this); convenience is the main reason highlighted by tap water
drinkers (88%).
Survey respondents felt that
drinking water equates to a healthy lifestyle and maintenance for one’s health
(94% for both). The respondents believe in water’s benefits to internal body
functions: on average, the two main benefits put forward are the actions of
water to flush out toxins, and to aid digestion.
On average, almost 1 out of 4
participants thought that drinking water was the same as drinking other
beverages such as hot drinks, soda or fruit juice. The most credible advocates
for water? Healthcare professionals 90% said, and scientists 88% responded
positively. Family also plays a crucial role in promoting water consumption,
especially in Mexico, Turkey, China and Italy. Prevention campaigns and schools
are also considered credible (both with 77%).
Clearly there is
misinformation about how exactly water improves your life and body functions,
both with bottled water and tap water.
Personally I drink two liters
daily and know that the effects of water are long term and healthy.
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