In medium saucepan, add sugar and one cup of the water.
Bring to a boil and whisk until sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and let cool. Refrigerate until chilled.
Juice the lemons until you have 1 1/2 cups of fresh juice. (About 6-8 lemons depending on size)
In a large pitcher or serving container combine the lemon juice and the cooled sugar mixture.
Add the remaining 7 cups of water and stir. Fill the container with ice and chill until ready to serve.