A special report on health asked "Why drink water? Simply put, because it's our most vital substance and essential to our life. Without it, our bodies would cease to perform important, necessary functions. We need water to protect and cushion vital organs, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, convert food to energy, and to help digestion."

Also, up to three quarts of water a day is lost through normal bodily functions such as sweating, exhalation, and elimination. Most people need to drink eight cups (64 ounces) a day to make up for this loss. Insufficient water consumption can lead to such problems as headaches, constipation, dry skin, grogginess upon waking, and even dehydration, which is often exhibited as nausea, light-headedness, muscle soreness, cramps, and excess body fat, to name a few.