[2] Music journalist Geoffrey Freakes felt that the keyboard refrain sounds a little like the Moody Blues song "The Day We Meet Again", also written by Hayward, from the 1978 album Octave.

"[1] According to Pittsburgh Press critic Ron Weiskind, the song "acknowledges life's inevitable changes but with a stately sadness that assures the world will go on.

[1] Rolling Stone critic Errol Somay felt that "Running Water" was one of the songs on The Present where "the Moody Blues are at their creative best.

[6] Manchester Evening News writer Tony Jasper called it a "gem" and said that it is "seen as something rivaling [the Moody Blues'] long-time classic 'Nights in White Satin.

'"[7] San Jose Mercury News critic Andrew Slater called it "lush and luscious, with an unobstrusive approach that is almost obtrusive after a while.

"[1] The Berkshire Eagle critic Steve Leon described "Running Water" and "Driftwood" as "ballads that tug at the heartstrings but ooze with the sticky sweetness of a melting fudgesicle.

"[12] Edmonton Journal reviewer Teresa Mazzitelli wrote that "this introspective, mellow sound grew too restful and soon after, edged its way to tiresome.