How is drinking water healthier than drinking soda (Coke, Diet Coke, 7 up, etc.)?

Hi raggedyrush-ga,

The simple answer is that you need water to stay healthy. Water
provides a way to remove the waste your cells produce from your body.
If you don't drink enough water, the waste can build up and have bad
effects.

You also need water because much of your body is liquid. The chemical
reactions that keep you functioning cannot take place without an
adequate supply of water. You lose water when you breathe, you lose
water when you prespire. You need to keep replacing the water in order
to keep your body working.

Pure water is what your body needs. 

When other substances are added to that pure water it makes more work
for your body to sort out the added ingredients from the water.
Sometimes its worth the work. There are solutions - liquids - that
provide minerals called electrolytes. Your body needs these to
function, too. Adding elements that are required for body maintenance
can be an asset to drinking just plain water.

Drinking water from areas that have too many minerals or other foreign
substances can harm you body. That's why there are areas where they
recommend that you drink bottled water.
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/ag473_1.html

Soda also has extra ingredients. Sugar or sugar substitues, caffeine
and other things that may or may not be good for your body. If you
substitute these drinks for the water that your body needs, it can
cause problems.

For instance, there have been studies that showed that drinking too
much cola containing caffeine actually forces your body to flush out
calcium. To replace the calcium you need to have nerves and muscles
work, your body takes the calcium stored in your teeth and bones. That
is not a good thing. It weakens your teeth and bones and can cause
serious long term health problems. Girls who play sports and drink a
lot of dsada are 5 times as likely to get bones broken as those who
don't drink soda!
http://www.diynet.com/DIY/article/0,2058,5503,00.html

Caffeine also has a lot of other effects on your body.
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1485.html

Soda also contains a lot of phosphorus. Too much of this can also
interfere with healthy bones.
http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0971.html

The calories consumed in colas can be minimized by drinking diet
brands, but even the low cal sodas contain some extra calories. Unless
you are in the portion of the population who are trying to gain
weight, it's not a good idea to add empty calories to your diet.
Adding sugar substitutes means putting chemicals into your body that
may have long term effects that we don't now about right now.

One site says, "Carbonated soda pop provides more added sugar in a
typical 2-year-old toddler's diet than cookies, candies and ice cream
combined."
http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/10/soda_pop_dangers.htm

This site suggests healthier alternatives to soda
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columncc/cc010821.html

Search terms: drinking soda effects health

Soda pop, like anything else, is ok if you drink it in moderation.
It's only when you substitute pop for water that you run into trouble.
So enjoy your soda, but remember your water for your body's sake.

Regards,
bcguide-ga

Thank you for your answer.  
Exactly the information and advice I was looking for!!!