a refrigerator includes a water dispensing system having a water tank disposed in the refrigerator , and a water dispensing pipe extending from the tank to the door of the refrigerator . the tank is disconnected from the pipe and removable from the refrigerator to be refilled or cleaned . when the tank has been removed , valves on the tank and pipe , respectively , close to prevent water leakage . when the tank is reinstalled , both valves become re - opened . in another aspect of the invention , a case disposed in the refrigerator door is adapted to receive water receptacles which are inserted upside down . upon insertion , the receptacles become opened to discharge water into a water groove disposed in the case . a pump discharges water from the groove to a dispensing outlet when a switch is actuated .