Evidence is presented that CF₃O radicals react with H₂O in the gas phase at 296 K to give CF₃OH and OH radicals. This reaction is calculated to be exothermic by 1.7 kcal mol^-1 implying a surprisingly strong CF₃O-H bond energy of 120 ± 3 kcal mol^-1. Results from a relative rate experimental study suggest that the rate constant for the reaction of CF₃O radicals with H₂O lies in the range (0.2-40) × 10^-17 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1. Implications for the atmospheric chemistry of CF₃O radicals are discussed.