tap water

American  

noun

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

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tap water British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of tap water

First recorded in 1880–85

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tap water

At the same time, she found the tap water detainees used was often lukewarm, and the facility was using a spigot to refill water coolers for the East building.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

"At least tap water and electricity are working," Kosin said, as he used a broom to sweep out water.

From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026

“We’ve worked cases where the vial is just tap water and mold and nothing more.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

Italy's highest court has ruled a five-star Dolomites hotel was acting lawfully when it refused to provide tap water to a tourist.

From BBC ● May 27, 2026

For drinking water, sometimes Mom managed to get a jug of tap water from neighbors, or I would be dispatched to sit beneath a leaking pipe connected to another home.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

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