Jason's Manhattan Clam Chowder

Ingredients
4 cups water
5 cans chopped clams
6 slices bacon, finely chopped
1 massive onion, finely chopped
4 stalks celery, finely chopped
1lb of potatoes, peeled and finely chopped
3 cans (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 bay leaf
Instructions
Cook bacon until crispy then set aside.
Cook the onion and celery until clear about 10 minutes on medium.
In a big pot add crispy bacon, potatoes, clam broth (w/out clams), remaining 4 cups water, bay leaf, thyme, and pepper; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes with their liquid, simmer 10 minutes longer.
Stir in chopped clams and heat through. Discard bay leaf and sprinkle with parsley.