Portugal: Low daily water consumption impacts public health

Data from the National Food and Physical Activity Survey indicates that people in Portugal consume an average of only 869.8 ml of water per day. Experts warn that even low levels of dehydration can negatively impact attention, concentration, memory, mood, and energy levels, often appearing before the sensation of thirst occurs.

Francisco Furtado de Mendonça, director-general of APIAM (Águas Minerais e de Nascente de Portugal), emphasizes that mineral water should be viewed as a food source due to its unique mineral composition determined by geological origins.

A study conducted by the Laboratory of Analysis at the Instituto Superior Técnico (LAIST) in partnership with the Direção-Geral de Energia e Geologia (DGEG) evaluated the quality of bottled natural mineral and spring waters. The investigation, which involved 14 companies, assessed the presence of emerging organic contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, PFAS, and endocrine disruptors.