Yorkshire Water is encouraging people to take the "tinkle test" with the help of its latest must-have accessory.

The company has introduced the "peeometer" - an instant health check to find out if you are drinking enough water.

The device rates the colour of your urine and can tell you how likely you are to be suffering from the effects of dehydration, which can include lethargy, nausea or headaches. The paler your urine the better. The peeometer was inspired by Yorkshire Water's Cool Schools campaign, launched in 2002, which has spread the hydration message to an estimated 250,000 primary school children.

The company has also installed more than 900 water coolers in 500 primary schools to ensure youngsters have access to chilled water.

"We were out there with our award-winning Cool Schools campaign before hydration became a fad," said campaign co-ordinator Louise Bradbury.

"Since then, research we commissioned from Leeds Metropolitan University has suggested we are getting through to children.

"However, we are determined to build on that and recognise we need parents on board - so we're introducing peeometers as we hope they will have a broader appeal.

"However, the essential message is the same; water is as vital as fruit and vegetables to a healthy diet."

Dr Sheila Webb, Director of Public Health for Bradford City Teaching Primary Care Trust said: "Water is essential for life and health - it is the basis of all biological processes and functions in the body.

"It is likely that many people do not drink enough; by the time people feel thirsty this is an indication that they have not been drinking enough and what we drink is usually influenced largely by habit.

"For children in school it is especially important that they have easy access to drinking water because without it concentration and performance can suffer and in addition health problems such as kidney and urinary tract infections are more likely.

"Readily accessible supplies of drinking water from cooling systems should be available in all schools. This will also make it less likely that children will regularly drink sugar-rich drinks which should not now be provided in schools due to concerns about obesity and diabetes.

"Adult habits are largely set in childhood - let's make sure that they are healthy ones."

Peeometers are available free of charge in downloadable form from the company's website at yorkshirewater.com.

They will also be distributed by promotional crews at events attended by Yorkshire Water throughout the summer.