The title compound, C(11)H(10)N(3)(+) x Cl(-) x H(2)O, belongs to the N1-methyl-substituted imidazo[4,5-f]quinoline family, in which the heterocyclic ring is protonated at the pyridine rather than at the imidazole N atom. The molecule as a whole is almost exactly planar. The molecular structure has been compared with that of the 2-amino analogue described in the literature, and it was found that the extra amino group of the latter is involved in conjugation with the adjacent double bond, i.e. the conjugation does not extend over the entire heterocyclic system. The cation of the title compound forms a strong hydrogen bond with the Cl(-) anion and the anions are interconnected by the water solvent molecule.