Gibbs-Donnan-based logic, employed to examine counterion equilibria in charged polymer suspensions, has led to assessment of their water sorption properties. With such information made available, a number of factors which promote hydrophobicity in charged polyions have been identified. Examples of the effect that such enhancement of hydrophobicity can have on the chemical properties of the charged polymer phase have also been provided. The information gained from this study of hydrophobicity in charged polymers, while demonstrating how important this property can be, provides a sound introduction to the dimensions of this phenomenon.