When I was younger, that was basically the situation. The tap water was horrible and soda was cheap, so there was always plenty of it. Only tea was another option due to boiling water, but it took time whereas soda was just there. Thats what I drank at home from second grade until I moved out, with juice at school lunch, water from school fountains, and tea from any type of restaurant.
Ive had numerous kidney stones, an unknown and serious citrate deficiency in my urine, and who knows what other damage undiscovered. I drink plenty of water now, but I know its possible to drink no straight water for years.
No matter our origin, we are all one family, we all share one planet, and we all need to feel loved and accepted. We are more alike than different.