Haleivi,
If there is no water within the next 72 minutes, he does not have to wait, rather he can eat right away.
I think that the question boils down to if he is allowed to participate in tis endeavor or not.
Using the water, not an option, since he needs I to drink.
Therefore, the question is if someone is allowed to put himself in such a situation lichatchila.
As far as I remember, it is not permitted. Only bshas hadchak.