Perhaps they sincerely believe that animals naturally find ponds and streams to drink from and bathe in. But most urban and suburban areas, few such natural water sources exist. Since water is as vital to wildlife as it is to human life, providing a water source close to home is one sure-fire way to draw wildlife to your yard.
Visitation partly depends on where the water supply is placed.
Water set right on the ground probably attracts the greatest variety of wildlife. It also has the advantages of being easy to clean and unlikely to break or tip over under the weight of heavier animals. The birds may particularly enjoy a dip in a bath mounted on a pedestal.