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Problems With a High Rate of Water Consumption

Using too much water has a serious impact on the environment. In places that are affected by drought, water conservation is critical. Excessive water consumption in an individual also carries the possibility of damaging physical effects. Drinking too much causes kidney problems and a phenomenon known as water intoxication, which is sometimes deadly.

  1. Using Too Much Water

    • The average indoor water use in the United States is 69.3 gallons person per day. If living in a dry region prone to droughts, using too much water impacts the entire community. Taking hot showers uses more water than cool ones because extra time is spent waiting for the water to heat up. Excessive use of appliances such as toilets, washing machines and dishwashers also contributes to a reduction in the amount of clean drinking water available.

    Solutions to Water Usage

    • Taking shorter showers and using water-efficient appliances reduces the amount of water used in a home. Low-flow toilets are widely available, and many newer model washing machines offer the option of using lower water levels. Check the home for leaks regularly to further reduce indoor water usage. The American Water Works Association estimates that installing efficient water fixtures and checking for leaks reduces average daily water use to 45.2 gallons.

    Health Effects

    • Drinking too much water sometimes has devastating health effects. This is not something to worry about for the average person, but for high-endurance athletes and other extreme cases, too much water sometimes even leads to death. When the kidneys are no longer able to filter the amount of fluid in the system, they begin to shut down. The water becomes trapped in the bloodstream and dilutes the salt content, resulting in hyponatremia. Waterlogged cells begin to swell, and in severe cases, cause water intoxication, symptoms of which include frequent urination, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion and eventually death.

    Preventing Water Intoxication

    • While many people tout the benefit of drinking as much water as possible, the body only needs about eight cups or 1.9 liters per day. The body loses about 1.5 liters through urination and an additional liter through other bodily functions like sweating and breathing. This water needs to be replaced, but remember that food contains water as well, usually enough to account for 20 percent of daily water loss. Consuming far more water than the body loses affects kidney function.

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