I have used a water bottle for about 2 years now. I have never noticed them not drinking enough. Between the two of them they average about 8 ozs of water a day, sometimes more if it is warmer in the house. It sure does cut down on the wet facial hair. They both took to the bottle rather quickly. When we first started using a water bottle, I put just a tiny dab of peanut butter on the end of the spout, worked like a charm.
I agree it is hard to find a water bottle that does not leak or drip. The best one I have found so far and it is the cheapest is lixit brand and I use this one.
Lixit Quick Lock Flip Top Water Tank at PETCO
It comes apart easily for cleaning and the wide flip top makes it easy to fill. It has a gasket in the spout assembly like a water hose gasket which helps with leaking.