Safe Water Rules

Don't try to drink an arbitrary daily amount of liquid, such as eight glasses of water. Urine color is a good indicator of hydration—it should be light yellow. Other beverages, such as juice, milk and soda, are treated as water by the body—even if they contain caffeine.

• It is fine to drink tap water—the US has some of the safest tap water in the world, and many bottled waters are simply filtered tap water.
• If your home was built before 1986, have your water tested for lead contamination.
• If your water comes from a well, have it tested for arsenic.
• Use a filter if you find that your water contains contaminants or has a taste you dislike.
• Bottled-water caution: Reusing plastic bottles that have not been sterilized can expose you to high bacteria levels. Wash bottles in hot, soapy water or run them through a dishwasher. Store unopened bottled water in a cool, dark place to prevent damage to the containers from heat and light.