Most individuals today do not drink enough water. Singers may be significantly affected, as water consumption physically affects the vocal muscles.
Vocal chords are covered with a thin covering of mucus. When lubricated properly (with the body containing sufficient liquid), the mucus functions as a protective coating from vibrations the vocal chords experience when phonating. Singing or speaking (phonating) occurs when the 2 vocal chords collide together quickly, creating a vibration which results in sound, similar to the bow on a violin string. The mucus covering the vocal chords serve as a protective coating as well as assisting with efficiency in the vocal process.

     When individuals do not drink enough water, the mucus becomes 'gummy' and loses some of its protective quality. Such an experience may be compared to what someone feels when needing to clear their throat, or when experiencing something catching in their throat. Excessive vocalization of improperly lubricated vocal chords may result in swelling and redness of the vocal muscles.
    
     Enough water to keep the vocal muscles properly lubricated cannot be obtained in drinking much water near the time of vocalization. It must be a lifestyle commitment, in which the body is consuming more than the recommended 8 glass of water each day.
  
     Other substances that negatively affect the efficiency of the vocal muscles and their protective covering include caffeine (soda, coffee, etc.), dairy products, diuretic teas and alcohol. A vocalist whose focus is vocal health might want to consider abstinence from such substances as a lifestyle commitment, and surely near the time of singing.

     Water consumption has health merits in overall body health. The vocal apparatus is one of the significant benefactors of water consumption.