Young woman drinking water outdoors after workout.

As temperatures rocket across the country, the Water Watchdog is reminding people of all ages to keep themselves topped up with tap water.

There are few cheaper, healthier or easier ways to stay hydrated in a heatwave than drinking tap water, especially if you have a reusable bottle.

If you’re out and about there are now a growing number of places including cafes, restaurants, shops and even rail stations that will allow you to refill your bottle for free.

More than 10,000 places have signed up to the Refill scheme and by downloading the app opens in new window you can find some Refill Stations near where you live and work.

Here are our other top tips to help you keep your cool:

  • Start each day with a glass of tap water.
  • Remember to fill a reusable bottle before you leave your home or office so that you have water with you when you are on the go.
  • Try to drink a glass of water at set points of the day, with each cup of tea or coffee or with meals.
  • When at work, keep water close by to sip throughout the day.
  • Ask for a free glass or jug of tap water in licensed restaurants and bars – they have to provide you with free tap water but many of us are too shy to ask.
  • Put a jug or bottle of tap water in the fridge for a chilled drink or use ice cubes for a quick refreshing drink. Add a slice of lemon or lime for some flavour.
  • Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. They have high water content, and can help keep you topped up. A tomato, for example, is 95 per cent water.
  • And remember – water is the healthiest choice for quenching your thirst at any time. It has no calories and contains no sugars that can damage teeth.

Long spells of dry weather can also increase the pressure on our water resources which is why the Consumer Council for Water is encouraging everyone to use water as wisely as possible – come rain or shine.

Check out some of our favourite water-saving tips here