Huh, I've never heard the part about not drinking water during meals
I have always heard that mealtime is the BEST time to drink water because you are naturally thirsty because you are eating and drinking water with meals is a good way to ensure you are drinking your 8 glasses a day.
I am actually VERY good about drinking water. That is usually ALL I drink during the day, and I try to drink about a gallon a day. I have to constantly monitor my complexion, or I will have bad acne, and I have found that drinking water REALLY REALLY helps my complexion.