Although these beverages do contain water, most of them act as diuretics. That is, they cause the body to lose water, and they create a state of dehydration rather than hydration, Most people are chemically dehydrated because they instinctively dislike the taste of tap water. As a result, they learn to avoid drinking water altogether. Over time, the thirst response is turned off and it is only recognized when it is severe. That is why those who drink water only when they are thirsty are usually already chronically dehydrated.
Dehydration is only one health problem associated with water.
Of greater concern is the quality of America's drinking water. The problem is that the number of new and different contaminants in our water systems has grown faster than the ability of the government or citizen's groups to keep up with. Even these are routinely violated. According to the EPA, nearly half of all municipal water suppliers violate Federal health standards. Most cities have water treatment systems that have decaying infrastructures and they are running on archaic technology that was developed 50 years ago.