I finished it! It was a 'Goldielocks' game, not too hard- not too easy, it was just enough of both, I didn't see the link between the water and another item, but it was the only thing I hadn't tried and it worked.
Knottylovergirl you just needed to do as I did... try everything in your inventory.
It was a good game, I'm glad I wasn't wrong in putting you into my 'favorite'. Great job!