Water Terms 101: A Plain-Language Guide to Hydration Vocabulary

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by hydration jargon, you’re not alone. Water science is often packed with technical terms that sound complicated — making it harder to know what really matters when it comes to your health and your water.

This guide highlights five essential hydration terms that help you understand your water — and why it matters.

1. DEHYDRATION

Scientific Definition: A condition that occurs when water loss exceeds water intake, disrupting key functions like blood pressure, kidney health, and mental clarity.

Why It Matters: Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, memory lapses, or mood swings. Over time, it puts extra stress on your body — especially for children, older adults, and anyone with chronic health conditions.

2. OXIDATION-REDUCTION POTENTIAL (ORP)

Scientific Definition: A measure (in millivolts) of water’s ability to donate or accept electrons. Negative ORP = antioxidant potential; positive ORP = oxidizing potential.

Why It Matters: ORP reflects whether your water may help reduce free radical damage. Hydrogen-rich water often has a negative ORP — linked to better protection against oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. ARSENIC

Scientific Definition: A toxic element found in some water supplies, especially in its inorganic forms (As III, As V). Long-term exposure is linked to cancer and heart disease.

Why It Matters: Arsenic is tasteless and odorless — but harmful over time. That’s why proper filtration is critical in areas with known contamination.

4. MOLECULAR HYDROGEN (H₂)

Scientific Definition: A diatomic gas with antioxidant properties when dissolved in water. Studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and cellular stress.

Why It Matters: Molecular hydrogen is an emerging tool in hydration science. Water enriched with H₂ may support your body’s resilience by fighting oxidative stress — a factor linked to aging and chronic disease.

5. FILTRATION

Scientific Definition: A process that removes impurities through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Why It Matters: Good filtration eliminates hidden threats — like chlorine byproducts, heavy metals, and bacteria — creating water that’s not just clean, but healthier to drink.

📘 Explore the Full Hydration Glossary

These are just five terms from a much larger list. We’ve created a full glossary of 70+ scientifically explained hydration terms — all broken down into everyday language, with notes on why they matter and links to supporting studies.

👉 Explore the Hydration Glossary

Final Thought: Understanding Unlocks Better Hydration

When you understand what’s in your water, you can make smarter choices for your home, your health, and your future.

💧 Want to take the first step?