In the structure of the title compound, C22H22N4O4·C3H7NO·H2O, the entire tricyclic system is approximately planar except for the carbon atom bearing the two methyl groups; the methoxyphenyl ring is approximately perpendicular to the tricycle. All seven potential hydrogen-bond donors take part in classical hydrogen bonds. The main molecule and the DMF combine to form broad ribbons parallel to the a axis and roughly parallel to the ab plane; the water molecules connect the residues in the third dimension.