Hi Hazel, 8 glasses does seem alot initially but if you keep having a drink at 'normal' times you'll soon get through it surprisingly easy. I have tea in morning, a 1/2pt glass at break, 1pt glass at dinner, 1/2pt at afternoon break and 1pt at tea. then tea at evening. I'm not keen on plain water so have sugar-free cordial to give abit of taste. Hope this helps abit chrisb