Which of the following is the correct daily water requirement for a sedentary person?

• A. 2 L/day
• B. 4 L/day
• C. 3 L/day
• D. 5 L/day

Answer: (C)

Maintaining hydration starts with a baseline amount that supports normal bodily functions when activity is low. For a sedentary adult, about 3 liters of total water intake per day is a common baseline. This includes all beverages plus water naturally present in foods. It tends to cover typical fluid losses through urine, breath, skin, and stool in a low-activity setting.

Why this fits best: 3 liters is a balanced amount for many adults, providing enough fluid to stay hydrated without the excess that can come with higher intakes. Drinking only 2 liters might leave some people slightly under-hydrated, especially in warmer environments or with salty foods. Consuming 4 or 5 liters daily is generally more than a sedentary person needs and, if done consistently without electrolytes, can risk dilution of blood minerals in some individuals.

A practical tip is to use urine color as a hydration check—pale straw color suggests good hydration.