It is simple really. The water itself holds not magical or mystical properties. The submission to the purification ritual does. Purification through water has been the means of purification for thousands of years by the time of this writing. For people of Israel, no question would even arise regarding using water. They saw it at the temple repeatedly.I’m not ignoring scripture, I’m asking you, how can water make your spirit Born Again?
What is the significance of the water.?
Do you think that the water makes you repent?
Tell me what the water does, then I might understand?
What is Gods meaning of water?
Why is water needed?
It is not what the water does, it is what Yahweh does when we submit to the sacrament of Baptism.
As for why Yahweh required this act, a long discussion could take place, but it not really necessary. Jesus instructed his disciple to baptize those who are converted - male and female. The patriarchal society was amended so that there was no longer male or female. Under the old covenant, males were circumcized demonstrating their acceptance of the terms of the Old Covenant, and their submission brought the females along with them.
Under the New Covenant, females made their own decisions and accepted the terms of the New Covenant by baptism. So, all converts became accepting the New Covenant - and all the blessings and responsibilities - through baptism.