It's only connection to water is by tradition.   

Historically, water has been used in purification rites.   When John the Baptist came along water baptizing people it became a popular sign of repentance and purification.   

But purification of the body does nothing for the Sin Nature which is the dead spirit of the unconverted.   

We are saved by Grace Through Faith In Christ Jesus.   The only physical act that is required for us to be Born Again as New Spirit beings is that we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour and that He raised Himself from the dead.   Rom 10:9,10

The physical act of Water Baptism has no efficacy.   It is simply a public witness to the fact that one has been Baptized In The Name Of Jesus Christ.   

So, what does immersion into the name of Jesus Christ mean?   
It means that
→ we forsake all preconceived notions of 'God'
→ we accept Jesus as the revelation of 'God'
→ we receive His Words
→ we become His disciple
→ we fully believe that Jesus Is Lord
→ we receive His Holy Spirit, the Spirit Of Christ Jesus
→ we fellowship with Jesus in His Holy Spirit
→ we serve Jesus in the power of His Holy Spirit

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Act 2:38 What do we need to do to become what our Lord designed us to be?      → Repent for the remission of sins.      → Be Baptized In The Name Of Jesus Christ for remission of sins.      → Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.      Having the Father, the Holy Spirit, in us and us in Him is our Lord's purpose in creation.     Mat 28:19 Act 16:31 Rom 10:9,10 The emphasis on the word, baptized, should be on immersion into Christ Jesus - not just as an article of faith but as a lifestyle empowered by the New Spirit being we become in Him.      Everything that is spiritual is eternal.     Water Baptism is not eternal, it is a one time act.      Immersion into Christ Jesus is a state of existence that is eternal.

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Act 8:12 They became believers but were not taught about the Holy Spirit.      Water Baptism did not 'save' the ones baptized.     We are saved by Grace Through Faith.     Rom 10:9,10.

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Act 8:16 Water Baptism did not fill the person being baptized.     It was a symbolic act, a public witness of faith.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Act 19:5 If they were simply Water Baptized, there was no spriritual, eternal accomplishment.      It is through faith that we receive the gift of Eternal Life by Grace.     Rom 10:9,10