While this is true for most cats, my sweet weirdos like it right by their food so they can get some between bites. Test it out and see where they drink the most water
My cat has 2 bowls of fresh water kept clean and changed every day.
I caught him licking the moisture from a sink after I washed my hands in it...
My strategy is to just add a measure of water to his wet food twice a day, which ends up being more water than he'd drink throughout the day on his own.
I'm hoping it'll help him avoid some issues as he grows old.
I keep one by the food and a separate water dish in another room not far from their cat tree. When it's hot out, typically a third one finds its way near their favorite patio door they like to look out and sun by.