How long can a person live without water?  That's a question for the experts.  We've done some research and here's what we've come up with.

There is no exact answer.  Some say 3 days max but others say up to 14 days.  I think to be on the safe side I would go with the lower number and not take any chances. It depends on the individual person, their health and how fast water and liquids are being utilized by their body.  It would be very difficult to determine just how the water inside of the body is being reduced and by how much. The body reduces liquids by sweat, urine, and tears.  Another major factor to consider is the climate, the temperature, the humidity, and the physical exertion of the body.  Extreme tempuratures will shorten survival time immensely.

According to USGS (United State Geological Survey), Up to 60 percent of the human body is water, the brain is composed of 70 percent water, and the lungs are nearly 90 percent water. About 83 percent of our blood is water, which helps digest our food, transport waste, and control body temperature. There would be no life without water.

According to the U.S. Army Survival Handbook, 15 percent or more loss of body fluid may result in death.  The average adult loses 2 - 3 liters of water daily and therefore need 2-3 liters to replenish.  Extreme tempuratures, intense activity, high altitude, burns and/or illness speeds up water loss.  Basic guidlines in a survival situation are:

• Always drink water when eating.
• Acclimatize.
• Conserve sweat not water.

• Ration water.

The U.S. Army Handbook also tells us a daily intake of .5 liters of a sugar-water mixture (2 teaspoons sugar to 1 liter of water) will prevent severe dehydration for up to one week.

What it all boils down to, is basically next to air, water is the most important ingredient for survival, so we should plan ahead, always keep extra water on hand and/or have some sort of filtering system available in case of emergency.