Normally someone can expect to receive a glass of tap water for free at  most restaurants or cafes across the globe.

However in one New York water cafe you have to pay for the privilege.

Molecule in East Village, New York charges $2.50 (€2.07) for a glass of tap water and has been highly criticised as a result.

But the owners of the exclusive water cafe insist that this is no normal tap water and a typical tap water customer would be receiving the highest quality possible.

The tap water is  reportedly put through a custom built seven-point filter system that is said to be worth $20,000 (€16,532).

The advanced filtration system is said to give the highest quality  tap water  and in turn  is said to make it ‘healthier’.

‘It’s about treating water a little more consciously, mindfully and respectfully,’ said co-owner Adam Ruhf.

The 32-year-old, who is also an activist, also offers to sweeten up the customer’s beverage with vitamins.

He added: ‘Our supplements are based on medicinal herbs and roots from around the world.’

The company plans to expand its business by delivering water to doors throughout New York.

So if your looking somewhere to quench your thirst for free best to stick to your own tap, well in the East Village area anyway.