**Reusable Water Bottles Now the Must-Have Item for Gen Z, Survey Reveals**
A recent survey has highlighted a distinctive trend among Generation Z, revealing that carrying a reusable water bottle has become an almost universal habit for those born from the late 1990s onwards. According to the research, seven in ten Gen Z individuals say they never leave home without their favoured bottle in tow, with more than half insisting it is now an essential accessory—on par with the likes of mobile phones or house keys.
Unlike previous generations for whom grabbing a drink on the go often meant purchasing single-use plastic bottles, today’s young adults are developing different habits. The study shows the average person owns two water bottles, but Gen Z stands out by owning four or more, often allocating different bottles to specific situations: one for the office, another for workouts, and others for home or overnight use. The bottle is not only for utility—design and brand have emerged as critical factors in their selection.
When it comes to style choices, aesthetics rank especially high for Gen Z consumers, with many reporting they choose bottles based on colour, pattern, and even social-media appeal. Sustainability, too, factors heavily into these decisions, with a majority preferring brands that tout environmental credentials and offer products built to last. Some are even willing to pay £20 or more for a branded bottle—a notable investment in an item once considered a basic household good.
Those within the water industry have taken note. Michael McAuley, from Culligan UK, a leading supplier of drinking water solutions and the organisation behind the research, remarked: “It’s unusual to pass a young adult these days without spotting a reusable bottle in hand. The choice available is vast, and the bottle itself has quickly become both a functional necessity and a statement of personal style.”
The reasons for this attachment are manifold. Beyond being what many regard as a fashion staple, carrying a water bottle is viewed as an act of self-care and environmental responsibility. Over half of those surveyed who set daily hydration goals believe the presence of a bottle close by is key to reaching them, reinforcing the health aspect of this trend.
The survey identified that, on average, people now spend around £16.70 on their chosen bottle, with about a third feeling confident this purchase pays off by reducing the need to buy bottled water when out. However, respondents raised practical concerns around access to free refill points. One in four admitted to buying a coffee or snack at a café just to persuade staff to refill their bottle, underlining the continued importance of publicly available water refill stations.
With the UK facing increasingly frequent warm spells, campaigners and hydration experts are urging local authorities and businesses to do more. “If there are too few refill options, the main advantage of carrying a reusable bottle—staying hydrated conveniently and cheaply—is undermined,” added McAuley. “It becomes even more urgent as temperatures rise.”
Culligan UK’s spokesperson echoed the call for improved infrastructure, stating, “The public appetite for refilling shows no signs of waning, and extending the availability of refill points could make a real difference, not only for health but for the environment, too.”
The research appears to confirm a generational shift not just towards reusable products, but towards conscientious consumption. Many young people keep multiple bottles so they never need to rely on purchasing single-use plastics, a move that dovetails with broader concerns about climate change and plastic waste.
As the simple water bottle undergoes a transformation from mere receptacle to emblem of modern values and health consciousness, it is clear Gen Z’s influence on everyday habits shows no sign of slowing. As hydration, sustainability, and personal style continue to intertwine, the humble water bottle remains firmly at the forefront of this cultural evolution.