tap water

American  

noun

1. water, obtained directly from a faucet or tap, that has not been purified, distilled, or otherwise treated.

---

tap water British  

noun

1. water drawn off through taps from pipes in a house, as distinguished from distilled water, mineral water, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of tap water

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

When traveling to areas where cyclospriasis is endemic — including tropical or subtropical regions — avoid drinking tap water.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2026

Like most inhabitants of the village of Szada, 25 kilometres northwest of Budapest, their home has been without tap water for almost two days.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

Current tests show that tap water in Boyle Heights is safe.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

Advice not to drink tap water without boiling it remained in place for 54 days for some properties in the area, before it was finally lifted on 8 July.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

My solution to the lack of air conditioning at my own house was to run our T-shirts under the cold, cold tap water in the bathroom sink.

From "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" by emily m. danforth