A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania revealed that drinking the recommended eight glasses of water per day isn’t actually beneficial to your health.

While the study doesn’t say drinking that much water is harmful, it won’t necessary make you healthier.

“It’s really a recommendation based on the replacement approach,” said Sally Barclay, clinician in food science and human nutrition. “Most people put out a fluid ounce of urine a day, so they drink water in order to replace those nutrients.”

Jeff Starr, junior in management information systems, exercises at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center two or three times a week and gets by on only a few glasses of water a day.

“I think it’s important to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated, but I only need to drink a couple bottles of water per day and I’m good to go,” Starr said.

Barclay also said 80 percent of people’s water intake comes from other sources of water content.

The study also refuted theories that water helps fight obesity, but Judy Trumpy,registered dietitian and program coordinator for student dining services, thinks it does.

“I think it could help obesity, but it’s not going to help it on its own,” Trumpy said. “That first feel of hunger is often thirst, so having water before a hot meal or snack could help.”

In some people’s opinion, drinks like Gatorade and Propel Fitness Water are taking the place of water.

“People are starting to drink fitness water and Gatorade because they think they get more out of it,” said Ann Keane, sophomore in elementary education.

Trumpy feels students are still getting enough water but can still change their tendencies a bit.

“I think people have a tendency to choose pop over water sometimes in order to quench their thirst, but for the most part I think people are drinking enough because they can get it from other sources like lemonade, an apple and a salad,” Trumpy said.

Starr agreed that soda is cutting into people’s water-drinking habits.

“I think people don’t get eight glasses per day because they substitute pop for it at lunch or something – it isn’t really good for you, but you’ve got to switch it up sometimes,” Starr said.