Water, the essential element all living beings need to quench the thirst for their survival. Not only is water our source of liquid, but many animals also live within water-based ecosystems. What is not to like about water? A cold refreshing glass can make a day’s work a good one, and although many consider water to be tasteless, how can it be? 

There are actually about nine different types of water ranging from purified to mineral to tap. These waters may be derived straight from a lake or other natural body of water, or have gone through some sort of purifying process, such as reverse osmosis, to make the water safe to drink. However, sourcing is just one way in which water distinguishes itself.

According to chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Yoram Cohen, varying levels of pH, as well as the water’s mineral content and/or salinity, can impact taste. 

The neutral pH level in water comes in at a 7: anything significantly over or less could prove dangerous to the human body. However, many water companies stay within a three-degree ratio, and in fact, some tout higher or lower pH levels as offering hydration or performance-enhancing benefits. As a reminder to those who have not sat in a chemistry class in some time, pH is a measure of how acidic water is, and whether it is safe for human consumption. Dasani, for example, has a 5.6 pH, while TEN Alkaline Spring water purposefully increases their pH to 10 (hence the name). 

That said, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends water companies keep the pH between 6.5 and 8.5; in some states, it is illegal to do otherwise. For this reason, tap water falls right in that range.

Tap water has a unique, earthy taste that separates itself from the others. Fun fact: tap water has the lowest environmental impact. placing itself among the safest waters to drink, particularly if a good filter is in place.

Of course, taste can also be altered through contamination – either at the source, or in processing. Sometimes, even the bottles themselves can be a problem, as plastic bottles may carry toxins.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Contaminated bottled water can harm your health, including causing gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may be more likely to get sick from some contaminants.”

And today, there is no shortage of flavored waters, either.

But do all these factors contribute to a change in taste?

One has to consider Dasani, especially since this is Six Flags’ flagship beverage: this water is essentially “local” water that has been purified through the reverse osmosis process. While it is, of course, safe to consume, the drink has a salty taste to it, which may be due to the increase in sodium. Is that why Great America goers feel thirstier as the day goes on?

There is no doubt a benefit to drinking Glaceau’s Smartwater: this is the preferred choice, as it comes in a huge bottle and each sip has a refreshing aftertaste. The water is distilled, removing any impurities, leaving the consumer with a smooth beverage that tastes as if it is actually good for the body.

(Interestingly, Dasani and Smartwater are manufactured and distributed by the same company: Coca Cola.)

The least liked must be unfiltered tap water, which has a minerally taste that can only be described as drinking straight from the faucet. 

But when push comes to shove, water is water. Some taste better than others, and are more beneficial to the body, sure. But it does not really matter what water is consumed as long as people stay hydrated throughout the day. Even those waters with a negative reputation, such as tap water, do not negatively impact the body, and can offer energy like no soft drink or juice can.

Of course, water consumers must make sure to recycle the bottles they drink: recycling is a huge problem in America no one does it which is a main cause of global warming.