Older homes are a different story. Houses built before 1986 may contain lead pipes or aging materials that can leach into standing water. If you’re unsure about your plumbing, a simple home water test can offer peace of mind. Even with safe plumbing, bathroom water may taste off. Bathroom faucets are used less frequently, so water can sit in the pipes, picking up a metallic or stale flavor. It’s not usually harmful—just unpleasant.

Another factor: many homes filter only the kitchen tap, meaning bathroom water may not get the same extra purification. And no, your sink and toilet do not share water. Toilets refill with the same clean tap water used throughout the house. The real issue isn’t the source—it’s the surroundings. Bathroom sinks collect toothpaste residue, soap scum, hair, and bacteria.

Drinking is safe, but avoid cups left near cleaning products or surfaces that haven’t been wiped down. So what’s the verdict? If your plumbing is modern and the water looks and smells normal, drinking from the bathroom sink is fine occasionally. But for daily use, the kitchen tap—or a water bottle by your bed—is a cleaner, fresher choice.