The title monohydrate, C(7)H(10)O(3).H(2)O, aggregates as a complex hydrogen-bonding network, in which the water molecule accepts a hydrogen bond from the carboxyl group of one molecule and donates hydrogen bonds to ketone and carboxyl C=O functions in two additional molecules, yielding a sheet-like structure of parallel ribbons. The keto acid adopts a chiral conformation through rotation of the carboxyl group by 62.50 (15) degrees relative to the plane defined by its point of attachment and the ketone C and O atoms. Two C-H.O close contacts exist in the structure.