A hypothesis of the possible influence of aqueous electrolyte solutions on hydration in water-cement systems is put forward on the basis of analysis of the structure of such solutions. It is shown that the effect of added electrolytes consists of acceleration of dissolution of cement minerals due to increase of the concentration of hydrogen bonds between the liquid and solid phases of the system. A theoretical method for determination of the optimal amounts of electrolytes to be added to cement mixes is proposed. This obviates the need for laborious experimental solution of this problem.