Ever look at your bathroom sink and wonder if that water’s actually safe to drink? You’re not the only one. Even though bathroom water can taste a bit “off,” it usually comes from the same treated municipal supply as your kitchen tap.
If your plumbing is modern, it’s generally safe. Older homes, especially those built before 1986, may still have lead pipes or worn materials that can affect water quality — particularly water that’s been sitting in the pipes overnight. A simple home test kit can tell you what’s really in your water.
Bathroom water can taste stale or metallic because those pipes get less use, and most people only filter the kitchen tap. And no — toilet water isn’t mixed in; toilets refill with the same clean tap water as the rest of the house.
The bigger concern is the surrounding area. Bathroom sinks collect toothpaste, soap, hair, and bacteria, so avoid using cups or bottles that sit near dirty surfaces.
Bottom line: Bathroom tap water is fine to drink occasionally if your plumbing is up to date and the water looks normal. For daily drinking, stick with the kitchen tap or filtered water for better taste.
