How to Master Water Depletion for Bodybuilding Peak Week

I am currently ten days out from my show in Dallas and I am starting to get nervous about my water manipulation strategy. In my last prep I think I cut water too early and I ended up looking flat on stage. I do not want to repeat that mistake.

My plan this time is to keep water high at about eight litres until two days out. I have been reading that tapering is better than a sudden drop. I am also using Dandelion Root to help the process naturally. It is a balancing act because if I hold too much I lose the vascularity but if I am too dry the muscle bellies do not pop.

Does anyone have a specific protocol they swear by for the final forty eight hours? I am curious if you find that distilled water makes a real difference or if plain tap water is fine. I really want to nail the timing so I look my absolute best when I step under those bright stage lights.