Waterdrop study: 51% of Romanians do not consider tap water a safe source of hydration

To mark World Water Day, Waterdrop announces the study’s launch on consumer hydration preferences in the CEE region. The Microdrinks and sustainable bottle producer remains committed to promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and encouraging adequate water consumption for a balanced and energised life. Comparative analysis between four CEE countries reveals the importance of hydration in the cold season and the usefulness of reusable bottles in people’s lives. According to the study, most consumers fear drinking water straight from the tap, with the Romanian percentage reaching 51%.

The study reveals hydration trends in four Central and Eastern European countries where the brand has a local presence: Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The company analyzed vital issues such as tap water consumption, the frequency of hydration in the cold season, the type of beverages preferred during this period, the determinants for choosing a particular kind of beverage and personal choices of bottles used, as well as how they contribute to maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. 

According to the information collected, 84.9% of respondents believe tap water is not a safe source of hydration. Of this percentage, 51% is attributed to Romania, compared to the Czech Republic, which has only 5.9% of negative responses. As a drinking alternative, most people opt for bottled or filtered water.

Analyzing how respondents contribute to the well-being of the environment, Romania is in line with European trends in the efforts to eliminate plastic from everyday life, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to sustainability. A notable example is that more than 20.000.000 plastic bottles have been returned by Romanians in the three months since the implementation of the SGR (Guarantee—Return System) in Romania.

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Moreover, 78% of Romanians who participated in this survey show a growing trend to opt for sustainable alternatives, such as reusable bottles, over plastic ones. This impressive percentage indicates a personal preference and an increasing awareness of plastic’s negative impact on the environment. It is an essential step towards a greener and more responsible community that focuses on protecting and preserving natural resources for future generations. 

“We are determined to directly involve as many consumers as possible in adopting the positive values we promote in society. In the cold or spring season, people tend to neglect vital aspects of the body’s health, such as hydration, because the feeling of thirst is not as intense as hot summer days. However, paying more attention to hydration throughout the year is important. At the same time, understanding the importance of using sustainable containers and recycling helps to protect the environment by reducing waste production. Thus, by adopting responsible habits, each individual can contribute to creating a better future for ourselves and everyone around us”, stated Katerina Navratilova, CEO of Waterdrop CEE.

Hydration in the cold season – a deficient habit in the collective routine

The study reveals that more than 50% of participants in the four countries average consume between 3 and 4 glasses of water per day during the cold season, including the beginning of spring. However, the amount is considered insufficient for the ideal hydration requirement for an adult, which varies according to height and weight, as recommended by doctors and nutritionists. Another important aspect is the preference for teas over fresh water, which is an excellent alternative, especially when preventing and fighting seasonal colds. However, teas mustn’t be sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners to help maintain a balanced lifestyle and not alter their healing properties. By making such choices, consumers can ensure an adequate fluid intake, maintaining optimal wellness.

The conclusion of this study underlines the importance of being aware and managing our daily hydration correctly. With almost 60% of consumers reporting that they forget to hydrate themselves throughout the day, we must take proactive steps to ensure we are not neglecting one of our body’s vital needs. 

A practical solution could be installing apps on mobile phones or setting regular alarms to remind us that it’s time to take hydration seriously and take care of our health and body. More than 60% of those who took part in the survey said that using such technologies would help them in their efforts to develop an optimal hydration regime.