Drinking water is excellent for your health. It's the best beverage to choose, since it's free of harmful additives. You don't need to worry about ingesting too much caffeine or sugar when you choose water as your primary beverage. The taste of water can take some getting used to if you're not used to it. Here are four ways you can encourage yourself to make the switch to drinking water:

1. Drink carbonated water.

If you're used to drinking soda, you may miss the bubbles in your drink when you switch to plain water. Carbonated water can be a great compromise. Carbonated water contains nothing but carbon dioxide and plain water, which means there's no sugar or artificial sweeteners present. If you drink a lot of carbonated water, you may want to invest in a home water carbonator, which can allow you to make your own soda water from filtered water.

2. Infuse your water with fruit and herbs.

If water tastes too plain for you, you can add some flavor without adding extra calories. Infuse your water with fruits and herbs to add a light, fresh taste. This is a healthy way to enjoy different flavors. Try mixing various combinations together to see which ones you like best.

3. Invest in a drinking water system.

Water that comes from your faucet is safe if it comes from a municipal supply. However, depending on where you live, the taste of your water can change. This is due to varying mineral content in the water in different regions. Water with a strong mineral taste or odor can be off-putting to some people. Fortunately, you can remove excess mineral deposits from your water using a drinking water system. Carbon filtration or reverse osmosis water systems can be installed in your home to give you access to great-tasting, pure water whenever you want. A professional can install either of these systems in your home, so you don't need to be a handyman to have access to clean, tasty drinking water. Contact a company like Oxley Softwater Co to learn more about your options.

4. Try your water hot or cold.

Room-temperature water isn't the most pleasant beverage. Make your water more refreshing by putting ice in it on a hot day. Ice water can feel more luxurious, especially if you follow the previous step and infuse it with natural flavors. If your throat is feeling dry and sore, hot water can be incredibly soothing. Hot water can warm you up in the evenings, especially during the fall and winter months when it gets cold outside.