tap water

noun

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

tap water

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tap water¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The last time the 47-year-old drank tap water at home was when she was in high school.

From Salon

Some communities have been told to boil tap water to make it safe, others have seen their water supplies cut off for days or even weeks.

From BBC

Over time, as these pipes have corroded, they have leached lead — a chemical with no safe level of exposure — into tap water.

From Los Angeles Times

Fill the containers to the top with tap water.

From Salon

When compared to tap water, bottled water also has a significant ecological footprint, particularly due to the transport and disposal of containers.

From Salon