We’ve all been there — brushing our teeth and wondering whether that water from the bathroom tap is actually safe to drink. In most cases, it is. Typically, bathroom and kitchen faucets are connected to the same treated city water supply, which meets safety standards for drinking. The difference, however, often comes down to the plumbing inside your home.

If your house was built before 1986, the pipes could contain lead or older copper materials that allow trace elements to seep into standing water. Because bathroom taps are used less frequently than kitchen ones, water may sit in the pipes longer, affecting its taste and freshness. Running the tap for a few seconds before filling a glass helps flush out any stagnant water and ensures you’re getting cleaner flow.

Another factor to consider is filtration. Many homes have water filters connected only to kitchen faucets, leaving bathroom taps unfiltered. That’s why the taste or quality may differ between rooms. Despite a common myth, bathroom tap water and toilet water come from the same clean source — they’re just delivered through separate fixtures.

The takeaway? If your home has modern plumbing and you keep the sink clean, drinking from the bathroom tap occasionally is perfectly fine. But if your house is older or you’re uncertain about pipe materials, it’s wise to use kitchen-filtered water or keep a reusable bottle handy. A simple at-home water test can also provide peace of mind that what you’re drinking is safe.