Abstract: The spacer/water rod retention assembly includes a clip secured to the spacer having a slot perimetrically bounded both axially and laterally spaced portions of the clip. A resilient tab projects from one side portion into the slot. A water rod has a projecting tab which, upon relative rotation of the spacer and water rod, engages and deflects the clip tab to enable the water rod tab to reside in the clip slot. When the clip tab returns to its initial position, substantial relative rotation between the water rod and spacer is precluded and axial connection between the spacer and water rod is assured. In another form, the water rod tab projects into a slot of the clip. An adjacent water rod prevents rotation of the water rod tab in the opposite direction, thereby capturing the spacer and water rod and preventing relative axial movement.