Does water count as food?

I was fascinated by the ancient public fountains/water taps we encountered in every big city and little village. A constant stream of cold water flowing out to wash your hands and face, as well as drink. When I asked C where this water came from, he looked at me like I was an alien, did his signature shoulder shrug, and gave me the "MEH! From an aqueduct!" or "MEH! From a mountain!" The laughing faces are in Rome and the snakes are in a town in Calabria called Stilo.