Problem statistical back up;

“In 1991, Medicare reimbursed over $446 million for hospitalizations with dehydration as the principal diagnosis.” (Referring to elderly patients)
Medicare Statisitcs

‘0.15% (79,833) of hospital bed days were for volume depletion in England 2002-03’
Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03

Nursing facility residents are particularly at risk for dehydration. As many as 75% of residents have average fluid intakes below 1,500 cc per day, while a minimum recommendation is between 1,500 to 2,000cc of fluid a day. These residents may need more opportunities and reminders to drink.
Practical Solutions to Preventing Dehydration, Illinois Council on Long Term Care, 1997 Feb, 7 (#198).

“Total body water decreases with age, as does the thirst sensation. Thus, the elderly, particularly those who are institutionalized, are more at risk of dehydration.”
American Dietetic Association

“Dehydration has been identified as one of the risk factors for falls in the elderly with as little as a 2 per cent loss of body weight resulting in impaired physiological and performance response.” .
Water UK

“Adequate hydration reduces the risk of coronary hear disease by 46% in men and 59% in women. It also protects against blood clot formation by decreasing blood viscosity”
Water, other fluids, and fatal coronary heard disease. American Journal of Epidemiology 2002;155:827-33