I often have the same issue. I tried pouring from waist height, but in our case, more water splashed out onto the floor than stayed in the bowl. (What am I complaining about - he slobbers that much on his own. The inefficiency/uselessness of dog lips is further proof that God has a sense of humor.) There are many remedies. I use a funnel with a piece of PVC (any tube or piece of hose should work as well). Pet stores have fancy water dispensers that keep the bowl adequately supplied over a day or so (longer than that risks bacterial growth/ funky water). A little imagination can go a long way.
Doc