In response to Don Wiss' query about water consumption it is important to
remember that the majority of hominid sites uncovered are found near a
site of fresh water.   Thus it would be relatively simple for hominids
from very early times to drink water throughout the day as long as they
stayed near home.  It would only be those who were foraging some distance
or who were perhaps journeying to  another place that would need to carry
water and even these would doubtless have knowledge of water sources on
the way unless they were exploring new territory.

If we go back further, to a savannah primate model, then we find primates
such as a baboon troup for example, visiting a water source twice a
day.

Lorraine Heidecker
California State University Sacramento