What is Still Water? — Sparkling vs. Still Water for Your Workplace

Water is essential to any workplace. It can be used to hydrate, regulate body temperature and prevent kidney damage. But, has your company considered the new trend in water — sparkling water? When compared to the negative health impacts of soda, or other fizzy drinks with sugar, it’s no surprise that sparkling water would win every time. But what will happen when sparkling water goes head to head with still water?

Read on to learn which drinking water source wins the battle of the break room.

What is still water?

Still water, simply put, is non-carbonated water. A few primary examples include ordinary tap water, spring water, natural mineral water and most bottled water found in large containers. It’s essential to keep in mind that, while still water comes from nature, it’s only safe to drink from a trusted, tested and filtered water source.

What is sparkling water?

Sparkling water is water that contains dissolved carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide, either naturally or artificially added, provides the carbonation in sparkling water. But unlike sodas and other soft drinks, healthy sparkling water doesn’t contain any sugar, sodium or artificial ingredients. With the growing trend of adopting a healthier lifestyle gaining traction, sparkling water has become a go-to drink for many people looking to enjoy an exciting beverage without negative health effects. In fact, according to The Insight Partners, the sparkling water market is expected to hit $68.03 billion by 2031, up from $28.03 billion in 2023.

Sparkling water vs. still water: key differences

When it comes down to it, the main difference between still water and sparkling water is what makes the sparkling water fizzy – dissolved carbon dioxide. Here’s how they compare side-to-side:

Is sparkling water as hydrating as still water?

The short answer is yes. Because sparkling water is just still water with bubbles, it’s equally as hydrating and shares all the same benefits that still water provides.

Is sparkling or still water healthier?

For the general population, there’s not a difference in health benefits between still and sparkling water. Staying hydrated is important for overall wellness, so it’s really a matter of which drink is more appealing to those you’re serving. However, Verywell Health states that sparkling water can potentially worsen symptoms of IBS, acid reflux or bladder conditions for those already experiencing those conditions.

Can sparkling water replace soda at work?

Absolutely! Because sparkling water has the same bubbly, fizzy appeal as soda but contains zero calories, zero sugars and zero added ingredients, it makes a great soda replacement.

What’s the best office water cooler for sparkling and still water?

The 533 Touchless Sparkling Water Dispenser from Culligan Quench is an excellent choice for offering both sparkling and still water. In fact, it delivers cold, hot, ambient and sparkling water, all from one machine – so there’s something for everyone.

Benefits of still water

1. Hydration / rehydration

Drinking still water is the most beneficial fluid for staying hydrated. After exercising, sitting out on a hot day or eating that last slice of pizza in the break room, our bodies crave rehydration. Drinking water is crucial to maintaining several functions of our bodies. Water helps carry nutrients to our cells, from our toes all the way up to our brains. Other fluids, such as soft drinks and sports drinks, contain sugar and sodium that can cause a reverse effect and actually dehydrate our cells. Because of this, still water is the safest and easiest way to hydrate our bodies.

2. Health & wellness

Aside from keeping our bodies hydrated, still water can provide valuable health benefits. Some of the other ways drinking still water can be beneficial to your health include:

• Carrying oxygen to all parts of the body
• Protecting the brain, the spinal cord, and other extremely sensitive tissues
• Boosting skin health
• Regulating our internal body temperature
• Flushing body waste
• Helping maintain blood pressure
• Helping airways function
• Preventing kidney damage

Benefits of sparkling water

1. Hydration & daily intake

Some employees might grow tired of still water, especially when they aim to reach the daily recommended intake — approximately 4 to 6 cups, according to Harvard Health. Sparkling water is perfect to elevate your drinking water at work, and just like still water, sparkling water contains zero calories, zero sugars and zero added ingredients. Overall, because sparkling water is truly just bubbly still water, it shares the same hydrating properties as still water.

2. Health & wellness

At this point, we all know that sparkling water is similar to still water, but does the difference in carbonation have a negative effect on your health? Luckily, the answer is no. Research shows that sparkling water is not only just as hydrating as still water but also has no negative effect on your bone density — a myth that was once believed to be true. On the flip side, it does have a positive impact on your health. The carbonation in the water will make you feel fuller, which can help curb those 3 o’clock cravings. Plus, sparkling water has also been found to relieve indigestion and constipation, per a report from Healthline. This is an effective way to help your employees feel their best.

3. Satiety & soda alternative

As we mentioned, the carbonation in sparkling water helps you feel fuller, which makes it a particularly great alternative to soda. Sugary beverages like soda have been linked to negative health effects like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease, according to UCLA Health. However, because sparkling water doesn’t contain any of the added sugars or ingredients found in soda, it’s an all-around safer choice for satisfying that craving for something bubbly.

And the winner of sparkling vs. still water is…

Both still water and sparkling water deserve this win. While there is clear evidence supporting the benefits of both types of water, the bottom line is that the only differentiating factor between the two is carbonation. The decision inevitably comes down to which type of drinking water your workplace is more likely to consume and enjoy. But for businesses that want the ability to mix it up and have both — we’ve got you covered.

Considerations when choosing your workplace water cooler

When it comes to choosing a water cooler for your workplace, there a few key factors you’ll want to take into consideration:

• Management – While traditional water bottle coolers require scheduling deliveries, managing varying budgets and carrying heavy jugs, bottleless solutions are hooked up directly to your water line and offer a virtually unlimited supply of delicious, filtered water without the time and hassle.
• Space – Depending on your workplace layout, you can opt for a freestanding unit or countertop unit. And with bottleless options, you don’t need to worry about having space to store water jugs.
• Variety – Encouraging high-quality, frequent hydration for employees and those you’re serving is important, so you may want to consider a system that offers both still and sparkling water – and perhaps even flavored options – to align with varying preferences.
• Sustainability – Many workplaces nowadays have sustainability goals and initiatives, and reducing plastic waste with a bottleless cooler can be a powerful way to achieve environmental benefits.

Given these considerations, a bottleless dispenser is likely your best bet. At Culligan Quench, we have bottleless water coolers that offer still and sparkling water from one machine — so your employees, guests and customers can enjoy the best of both worlds. Our filtered water coolers and sparkling water dispensers have hot, cold and room temperature still water and sparkling water – and some even include flavored options.

Find the right water dispenser for your business

Ready to provide your workplace with great-tasting, filtered water? Check out our Product Finder to view our products and pick the winner for your business. Or get a free quote to get started.

Questions & answers

Is sparkling water good for you?

Yes, sparkling water shares the same health benefits as still water and is a great way to encourage hydration throughout the day.

Does sparkling water cause bloating or gas?

While sparkling water can actually help with digestion and constipation, drinking too much of it can potentially cause bloating and gas in some people, according to the University of Chicago Medicine. So it’s important for each person to monitor symptoms and switch to still water if they experience discomfort.

Can sparkling water damage teeth?

It’s not likely to, no. Britany Seymour, an associate professor at Harvard University’s School of Dental Medicine, says “the added carbonation makes the beverage more acidic, but not so much that it’s a danger to enamel when consumed in reasonable amounts.”

Does sparkling water impact bone density?

No. While you may have heard rumors about a connection between sparkling water and decreased bone density, it’s a myth. Studies referenced by Harvard Health Publishing show there’s no evidence that sparkling water has a negative effect on our bones.

Is sparkling water safe to drink every day?

Yes, it’s safe to drink sparkling water every day and can contribute to overall hydration.