Illustration: Dana Davis; Photo: Connie Park

A “perpetually dehydrated” reader recently wrote to us with a simple plea: “I know I need to drink more water throughout the day. How do I set myself up for success?”

If this sounds familiar to you, the first step to drinking more water is to identify the root of the problem. Do you get distracted and simply forget to get up and refill your glass? Do you not like the taste of water? Have you not found the right vessel for your beverages?

Whatever the issue is, we have a few key strategies to make hydrating feel more automatic than burdensome—from gussying up your water with bubbles to simply using a reusable straw. Some of our advice:

Display: A pretty drinking glass or a beautiful carafe can make you excited to drink more water.

Fizz: For people who are turned off by the blah-ness or the “taste” of water, carbonating it with a soda maker can add a bit of oomph.

Chill: If the only water that appeals to you is the ice-cold variety, keep an always-full big water dispenser in the fridge.

Track: A water bottle with quantity markings on it, like this glass one we recommend, can motivate you to accomplish your daily water goals.

Suck: These easy-to-grip tumblers come with a straw to make drinking more convenient. Park one at your desk or in the car to sip from all day.

Plus, how much water are you really supposed to drink?→

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Photo: Michael Hession

Unfortunately, your water bottle is going to need more than a quick rinse and swish to get really clean. Our expert walks you through how to deep-clean the whole thing, from stubborn residue to stinky silicone gaskets.

Our advice, including our favorite bottle brush→

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