With warmer summer weather and longer days, you may be finding more time to go for a walk, a bike ride or a run. As you increase your physical activity and the temperature rises, remember to take steps to also increase your water intake.

Experts usually recommend drinking six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. When you increase your physical activity or the weather turns warm, however, you may need more than this. Not drinking enough water may result in dehydration, which when severe can be life-threatening.

One of the first signs that your body is dehydrated is thirst. Here are some easy ways to quench your thirst and get the cooling water your body needs:

•  Freeze some freezer-safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.

•  Give your water a little pizzazz by adding a wedge of lime or lemon. This may improve the taste, and you just might drink more water than you usually do.

•  Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables with a higher water content, such as cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, plums, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, leafy greens and zucchini.

•  Drink iced herbal or caffeine-free teas instead of alcoholic beverages, coffee or cola. Alcohol and caffeine both have a diuretic effect that causes the body to release water.

And remember, being on or in the water may keep you cool, but it doesn’t replace the water your body needs to function. Drinking water is the main, and best source, of water for you.