We felt bad about leaving Willis in his crate w/o water, because what if something happened that we couldn't get home on time? Also, as it is getting warmer outside and we don't have air conditioning (although his crate is in a cool room in our house), I just wouldn't feel good about it. However, that is our personal choice. Willis has an amazing bladder... if he was prone to accidents, I don't think I would provide water if for short periods of time.
So this week, we determinedly figured out how to use the lixit (me figuring out how not to get it to leak, and him how to drink out of it), and Willis loves it! He doesn't drink too much, but it gives me peace of mind if I am going to be a bit longer than anticipated.
I agree with you on the addicitve quality of this site!