Methods are provided for reducing the water content of optical waveguide fibers produced from blanks having a centerline aperture and having compositions which prevent cooling of the blank to room temperature between consolidation and drawing. In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, the water content is reduced by storing the blanks at as low a temperature as possible, preferably below about 550.degree. C. In accordance with other aspects, the water content is reduced by filling the apertures of the blanks with an inert atmosphere during storage.