Growing up in the 80s in AZ we were not TOLD to drink water, we just did... I knew even then that I should drink before I got thirsty. I developed the habit of drinking whenever I am in the kitchen or pass a convenient water source.

I know I do not drink nearly enough and I feel it sometimes. the problem is that once you feel thirsty you are already in the danger zone. I do agree though that the real issue is not enough electrolytes, you can drink pints of water when thirsty and it might not do you much good because your body does not have what it needs to process that water.