Average water consumption per person India 2021, by age group

Average daily water intake in India varies by age group, with those over 30 typically consuming the most. In FY 2022, adults aged 30 to 44 years old consumed 2.26 liters of water per day. In comparison, those aged 19 years and below consumed just 1.97 liters per day on average. Up to 60 percent of the human body is made up of water, with the amount changing slightly due to factors such as age, sex, and hydration levels. The recommended amount of water intake to stay hydrated is at least two liters every day.

Most hydrated city in India

Like age groups, water consumption also varies greatly by city. Of India’s major metropolises, Kolkata had the highest average water intake per person in 2021, at 2.31 liters per day. Although most of India's major cities had an average per person water intake of more than two liters per day in 2021, Indore and Chandigarh had an average intake slightly below the recommended levels.

Improving drinking water access in India

As part of the Clean Water and Sanitation Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), India aims to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030. The share of India's rural population with access to safe drinking water within premises via Pipe Water Supply (PWS) has increased considerably in recent years, rising from less than 40 percent in FY 2016 to more than 60 percent in FY 2022.