Much of the same evils that are found in say bellevue are found in boulder. It just has a couple thousand college students running around with ipods listening to dave matthews as where in bellevue you can replace running with driving and college student with soccer mom. Beware of the flapjacks!!
Yes it hydrates.... but not as well because the carbonation typically makes you feel fuller sooner making you drink less water. So I would say you are not getting any benefits from the carbonation.