How long can you go without a drink (water)?

[magicfarawaytreestime]

Got a new colleague who is really struggling with our rules at work. No water/drinks at desks
She is really unhappy about it and keeps going out for a drink, I’ve said you do get used to it but I’m not sure if she will!
curious if others would struggle. It’s 2hrs max between breaks

It really wouldn't bother me at all

I think it depends on how hot it is and whether you do a lot of talking. I have to talk a lot in my job and if I don’t have water to hand I get a dry throat and can start to cough.

Not hot at all, no AC, fair amount of taking calls

This. When I started work no-one drank anything other than at their breaks, it just never occurred to us to do so. We all managed just fine, and yes a decent drink rather than constantly sipping would do the job.

I would really struggle i drink pints of water and black coffee. I could do it but wouldnt be happy.

So many people seem to have missed the fact that staff are allowed to get up and go and have a drink any time they like, just not keep a water bottle on their desk.

You don't know that she isn't on adhd meds etc - you literally drink water like a fish on certain meds (eg Elvanse). Your mouth is virtually stuck together especially when you first few hours for them to kick in.

It could be a side effect of the meds she is taking. Equally some people drink more water to limit food too. Or even go for a drink as they are bored stupid 😂

I can see why in certain work environments chemicals / food etc no water but at least she can go and get a drink so its ok

If it is the side effect of meds - not one I have come across before - then she can talk to management about reasonable adjustments.

but it’s quite clear there has been a social media’s driven “wellness” trend that encourages endless sips ( from expensive bottles or of special liquids ) that isn’t actually necessary but people have got themselves sucked into and can’t get out of easily

how they manage to sleep 8hrs without endless need to drink I don’t know

This constant drinking seems odd to me.

I have a stomach. I put plenty of water (and food) in it. Gradually over the next 3-4 hours the contents of my stomach are absorbed into my blood stream. Then I might fill up again.

I too have POTS (but don't need as much water as the PP). It makes no difference whatsoever if I take 3l of water at 500mls 6 times a day, fairly evenly spaced, or 30mls 100 times a day. The water doesn't enter my bloodstream at a different rate according to how often I add it to my stomach.

After decades of working in laboratories, where obviously you are not allowed to put anything in your mouth (e.g. chew pens, bite nails) let alone consume food or drink I had no idea so many people cannot get by without constant water, this thread has been quite an eye-opener. I have literally never heard anyone complain about this, it is just completely normal and accepted. Wherever I have worked we have had morning and afternoon breaks as well as lunchtime to facilitate eating and drinking. Usually water coolers in the corridors outside the labs too so you can get a quick drink between breaks if you go to the loo or out to the office.

It makes no difference whatsoever if I take 3l of water at 500mls 6 times a day, fairly evenly spaced, or 30mls 100 times a day. The water doesn't enter my bloodstream at a different rate according to how often I add it to my stomach.

And that`s fantastic. I genuinely WISH that would work for me. It unfortunately does not (medical reasons) and I therefore have to take frequent sips...

About 15 mins. I literally have a water bottle with me 24/7.. l wake up in the night to drink.. but my medication makes me thirsty.. l drink just good old Yorkshire tap water. ( I'd have to have a doctors note if l was her.

I'd struggle. When I was at my last place, I was told the main manager didn't like drinks on the shop floor. I told the Assistant Manager I found it a real struggle to go for more than an hour without a few sips. It was agreed, I'd make it quick, water only away from foods and equipment.

You have to drink every hour? Rubbish.