Purists claim regular, old tap water is more hydrating and better for you than seltzer or sparkling water. However, most nutritionists and medical experts agree tap water is equally as hydrating as sparkling water and the carbonation in bubbly water is basically harmless. In terms of your health, there’s no real difference between tap water and seltzer.

So, if you don’t like the taste of tap water but want to stay well-hydrated, feel free to drink seltzer to your heart’s content. You can even mix it up by flavoring your water with mint leaves, lemon and lime slices, cucumber, or even fresh fruit. Just be careful to avoid pre-made sparkling beverages that sometimes contain added sugar and salt; always check the label! Seltzer is a great alternative to soda, because unlike soda, it is generally free of calories, sugar and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives."