Americans Have Sparked Outrage By Making Claims That Europeans "Do Not Believe In Water"

In the US, there is a greater emphasis on consuming a specific amount of water daily to stay hydrated. European countries also have guidelines for this purpose, but they may not be as strict as those in the United States.

Several US tourists have been sharing videos while traveling in European countries, highlighting the variance in attitudes towards water consumption between the two regions.

In a video shared on TikTok in April, user @ditchthedistrict stated, “Everywhere I go, I’m drinking the same amount of water as the three other people at the table combined. I’m hoarding water bottles in my room.”

“I feel like my organs are turning into beef jerky because they’re so dry. I can drink a whole bottle of water before my first course even comes at a restaurant.”

Another TikToker, @br3nnak3ough, uploaded a video featuring her friend group enthusiastically chugging water, accompanied by the caption: "Us the moment we find water because Europeans don't believe in water."

The claims certainly didn't sit well with many Europeans, who were quick to point out the numerous accessible ways to get water while on the go.

One replied: "Water from the tap works perfectly fine, fill your own water bottle for free. Sincerely Sweden."

Another offered a possible explanation why they felt that water was less available, suggesting: "Maybe the disconnect is that you have to ask for it, they don’t just have fountains or auto give you some at restaurants."

Another said: "Why are these people so dramatic for no reason. You can find water on every street corner."

And someone else wrote: "People are dramatic as f***. There are markets/stores everywhere & a bottle of water is cheaper than in the US. They have water in restaurants.”

Some Europeans have expressed their frustration with visiting Americans who often generalize by referring to "Europe" instead of mentioning specific countries. Playfully, they quip, "Europe is a big place, pal. Are you in Paris or Sunderland?"

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) offers guidance on fluid intake without specifying a specific amount. Instead, it advises individuals to aim for a clear, pale yellow color of urine, indicating sufficient hydration throughout the day.

Furthermore, in June, another TikTok user with the handle @dude.152 posted a video featuring small glasses they received at a restaurant. Alongside the video, they displayed a glass bottle of water they were sharing, which was nearly empty. The caption humorously read, "What happens when you ask for water at a restaurant in Europe."

According to the European Commission, which is part of the executive branch of the European Union, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) observes that water intake in European countries falls below the recommended or guidance values.

In Europe, the majority of countries consume less than 1000 ml/d (1 liter) of water per day, with the exceptions being Austria, Germany, and Norway. The European Commission states that all national dietary guidelines in European countries include recommendations for adequate water and fluid intake, with most specifying 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day.

In the United States, the amount of water consumed is slightly higher. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from 2015 to 2018, adults drank an average of 44 ounces of water, which is equivalent to 1.3 liters, per day.

The recommended daily water intake is also higher in the United States compared to Europe. The Mayo Clinic advises that men in the US should be drinking about 3.7 liters of water per day, while women should aim for about 2.7 liters.

Condé Nast Traveler highlights certain water drinking habits in Europe that differ from those in America. One notable example is that tap water is generally safe to drink in most European countries, allowing people to refill their reusable bottles conveniently at home. Moreover, countries like Italy, Germany, and Belgium have public taps where individuals can easily refill their bottles.

In Europe, bottled water is readily available for purchase at most stores, and restaurants typically offer both still and sparkling water to customers.