Question:
I drink water often throughout the day but sometimes I forget if I made a bracha acharona. Should I make a new bracha in that case?
Answer:
Hello,
If you wanted to make a bracha achronal but are unsure if you did, it means you intended to stop drinking for now. In that case, you would need to say a new bracha rishona on the new water you want to drink.
As a side note, for those who drink throughout the day, as long as you plan to continue drinking, you do not need to make a new bracha rishona each time you drink. However, if you drink more than 3-5 ounces, you are required to say a bracha achronal. The issue is that if you wait more than half an hour to an hour, and you become thirsty again, you lose the opportunity to say that bracha achronal (similar to not bentching until you are hungry again). Therefore, it is advisable to say the bracha achronal immediately after drinking 4-5 ounces and then say another bracha rishona the next time you want to drink.
Best wishes
