06/14/2026
☀️🚰 It's easier to stay hydrated during a heat wave if you start off hydrated - so drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if spending time outside! Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the heat. Sports drinks are also a great way to hydrate, especially if you're working up a sweat outside.
🚍 Pierce Transit is offering free rides only to cooling centers and shelters through close of service Tuesday, June 16, Just let the driver know you are going to a cooling center. If you're outdoors in Pierce County and need to cool off, resources are available in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Spanaway and more. https://bit.ly/4xLvWfR
⛑️ 💧 Staying hydrated is key to staying safe this summer. During a heat wave, it is recommended you drink up to 12 cups of water a day! If you are working outside, try pairing your water with a snack or incorporate a sports drink to replace the lost minerals!
🚨 Knowing the signs of heatstroke or heat exhaustion are very important to understand, Staying in shade or a cooling area can help prevent both. 🚑 Call 911 if someone is having a heat stroke.
🤔when drinking water backfires, timing matters more than amount
Drinking water feels like a simple fix for thirst, but sometimes it can work against you—especially when timing is off. Many people experience discomfort not because they drink too little or too much, but because they drink at the wrong moments.
During big meals, drinking lots of water can slow digestion. Your stomach needs a certain balance of acids and enzymes to break down food, and diluting them with too much liquid may make you feel bloated or sluggish. This links closely to bloating or reflux, where water intake near or during digestive discomfort can worsen the feeling of heaviness or burning.
Drinking too much, too fast can overwhelm your system. Some people feel dizzy or unsteady when they chug large volumes quickly, which shows your body’s delicate fluid balance can drop suddenly.
Late night drinking disrupts sleep. When you drink water close to bedtime, your sleep cycle can get broken by middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. This is a common reason for restless nights even if you’re not thirsty.
No minerals in your water can also limit hydration benefits. Sweating athletes who only drink plain water may dilute electrolytes that keep muscles and nerves working properly. Without those minerals, your body’s rhythm falters.
Smart hydration means sipping moderate amounts timed carefully throughout your day. When your water intake matches your body’s needs and natural rhythm, you’re less likely to face these issues.
If any of these signs are severe or don't fade, it's worth checking with someone qualified.
Most of what feels like a water problem comes down to timing, not how much you drink. Understanding this can make a big difference in how your body feels.
