Bottom line: an average person could live for about eight weeks on water alone, give or take about a week for an over-or underweight person, respectively.
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/one-cannot-live-water-alone
Humans need water to live, plain and simple. We lose water through sweat, urine, feces and even breathing. This water needs to be replaced in order for our organs to continue to work properly. In severe heat, an adult can lose as much as 1.5 liters of water through sweat alone [source: Scientific American ].
http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/survival/wilderness/live-without-food-and-water2.htm
The survival rule of thumb is: 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. This article suggests that an adult in comfortable surroundings can survive for a week with no or little water intake. posted by pharm at 5:43 AM on June 29, 2006. The crew of the Lady Be Good made it for eight days.
http://ask.metafilter.com/41162/How-long-can-humans-last-without-water
As a nutritionist, the figure for survival I've repeatedly heard is 48 hours without water and two weeks without food. Of course this varies on so many different factors, as others have pointed out.
http://ask.metafilter.com/41162/How-long-can-humans-last-without-water
After one day without food, the body will have used up its carbohydrates, which are stored as glycogen in liver and muscle cells. After that, it's on to the fat reserves. Your average Joe/Jane, weight-wise, has enough fat reserves to live for four to six weeks without food.
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/one-cannot-live-water-alone
Now back to the question at hand. How long can you go without water? Assuming you're in reasonable shape and in ideal conditions -- that is, not in the heat or cold and not exerting, a human can probably live for about 3 to 5 days without any water. Healthier humans can live another day or so longer. This isn't something you should test.
http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/survival/wilderness/live-without-food-and-water2.htm
I mean, skin divers can go without oxygen for longer than 3 minutes, but maybe 3 minutes is accurate for a reasonably healthy person with no other adverse factors. posted by Amizu at 7:27 AM on June 29, 2006. I'm quite sure you could wander the Sahara naked for three hours and live.
http://ask.metafilter.com/41162/How-long-can-humans-last-without-water
It's time for your co-worker to pay up! The human body can survive a surprisingly long time on water alone, but it is nowhere near six months. When the body is deprived of new fuel (i.e., food), it breaks into its energy reserves to keep going. The body stores energy in the form of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/one-cannot-live-water-alone
Police say the temperature in the area had recently dropped to -30C (-22F). Skyllberg says he had been inside the car since 19 December 2011. Experts believe it is possible for the human body to survive without food for up to two months. It's not the first example of humans subsisting on next to nothing for long periods of time.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17095605
If you're ever stuck out in the wilderness, remember what survival experts call 'the Rule of Threes'. You can live 3 minutes without air, though we don't recommend trying. In a harsh environment — it's snowing, say — you have 3 hours to survive without shelter. After 3 days, you need water or you'll perish. You can make it 3 weeks without food, though we promise you that won't be fun. Despite this possibly helpful rule, some people have survived 8 to 10 days without water.
http://www.livescience.com/32320-how-long-can-a-person-survive-without-water.html
how long can a human survive without water
A human can survive without water for 3 days.