How to Make an Infinite Water Source in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Dig a 2x2 hole one block deep, place water in two opposite corners - the other two spots become sources too, and you can bucket water out forever. A 3x1 trench with water at both ends works the same.

What you need

A bucket
2 water buckets' worth of water (from any lake or river)
A shovel to dig the hole

Step by step

Craft a bucket (3 iron) and fill it twice at any lake, river or ocean.
Dig a 2x2 hole, one block deep.
Place one water source in a corner, and the second in the opposite corner.
The four spots are now all source blocks - the 2x2 regenerates instantly when you take water out.
Take water with an empty bucket from any of the four spots, forever. Never run dry again.
Small version: a 3x1 trench with sources at both ends also regenerates - the middle block is always a source.
Use it for farms (crops hydrate 4 blocks from water), cauldrons, bubble elevators and obsidian making.

Java vs Bedrock

Works identically on Java and Bedrock.

Versions: The 2x2 infinite spring has worked since the earliest versions and is unchanged today.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my water disappear when I take it?

You placed only one source or broke the 2x2 shape. With two sources in opposite corners, all four blocks are permanent sources.

Can I move my infinite spring?

Sources cannot be picked up as blocks - build the 2x2 where you need it. It takes seconds to recreate anywhere.