Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Sift the flour before measuring, then sift again with the baking soda and salt.

Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the margarine, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla, and water.

Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until creamy.

Add the eggs and beat until fluffy.

While gradually adding the sifted ingredients, beat with the electric mixer for about 2 minutes until very well blended.

Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips.

Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough onto lightly greased baking sheets.

Bake on the middle oven rack for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned and slightly crisp on the bottom.

They may seem slightly undercooked; do not overbake.

Cool for 1 minute on the baking sheets, then transfer the cookies to paper towels to cool completely.