A survey has revealed nearly half of the UK population are too busy to drink anything and almost 60% don’t drink enough water during the day, as they are preoccupied with other activities.

The findings, by Zip Heaters UK, revealed that most people only drink two glasses of water a day – a huge contrast to the six glasses recommended by the NHS.

The areas of the UK in which people are expected to be most dehydrated include Yorkshire and London, where residents struggle to make time for even one glass of water a day.

The research also highlighted how Brits will prioritise other tasks over and above drinking. On a national level, workers reported avoiding fetching and making drinks for other people as it takes them away from their work for too long. Women appear to be especially guilty of this, saying they would rather go without, than leave their desks for any length of time on a ‘drinks run’.

Nick Taylor, sales director at Zip Heaters UK, said: “We’re not used to extreme temperatures in this country – and making sure we drink enough is just one way of making sure our bodies are better equipped to cope with the effects of heat.

“Avoiding drinking in a bid to save time at work is especially counterproductive, as dehydration has been proven to hamper productivity meaning we aren’t able to get as much done as we perhaps want.

“As well as drinking more water, tea, coffee, sparkling water and cordials also count towards our recommended daily intake – and a combination of all of these can help keep you fully hydrated this summer.”

Zip Heaters UK is a supplier of instant boiling and chilled, filtered water taps.