Trouble Understanding E2 Reaction: What Role Does Water Play?

[Workout]

Homework Statement

I'm just having a little difficulty understanding this E2 reaction.

The Attempt at a Solution

Okay, so I know that this is a one step reaction. Br is the base, but does water (the solvent) have effect on the reaction? I just assumed the Bromide would attack the H in the lower right of the ring, the electron density would transfer to the double bonded Carbon, and the double bonded carbon would split so that it doesn't have a (-) charge. I just don't know whether it's just Br that binds or Br and OH bind in the ring.

 

[Workout]

My mistake. It's an E1 reaction.. so the H2O solvent is protic, would it be IV?

 

[AGNuke]

It is NOT an elimination reaction. Br₂ is NOT a base.

Br₂ will polarize to form Br⁺, which is an electrophile and will attack on double bond, followed by nucleophilic attack of water.