Oooh, I love the copper wrapping idea!

Would one of those silicone/rubber sink liners minimize the splash?

No, I don't think it would make much difference...the pressure is high and because it is such a short spigot it is super close to the back edge, so any time I use the water (hold anything - dishes or my hands - under the flow) it directs half of it over the back edge. But thanks for the idea...that's the kind of brainstorming I'm hoping for!

Extend the end of the tap with a piece of hose until a plumber can come and screw in a proper extension?

there's no threading to screw things on there, if a plumber ever comes out it will probably be to reroute the whole thing under the counter and put in a real faucet...but I could probably get some hosing to stay in place. I'm imagining using some copper wire and beads to turn it into an elephant with his trunk washing my dishes!

I've used a hair washing thingy to extend the tap in the bath for my kids and dogs.

Could you add or clamp on a pull-out spray hose?

Ok my husband say's "you should be fixin' your landlord, not the plumbing"

Is your landlord a Hatfield or a McCoy?

Are there no building codes in that area? No certificates of occupancy? That is truly pathetic.

For the cost of a propane torch, flux, solder, and a bit of pipe and couplings, you could lengthen the part that hangs over the sink. But...that setup is an accident waiting to happen. Copper is very weak, and if you bump that 'spigot' with a pan of water, it with bend or crease or--worse--split, and you'll have a real mess.

Those aren't even real faucet valves, they are cut-off valves and not designed for proper control of water flow. They are designed to be either open or closed; that's why you have a hard time with water pressure.

I can't believe it's legal to rent that place (I bet it's not).

Wait, what? Quit horsing around. Smart women capable of eliciting the sympathy you have don't sign leases on this kind of junk.

Melynda, you need a plumber to come out, what does the landlord say?

Y'all are misunderstanding me here, I think. I really don't mind the set up, and have lived with much odder in my life! I know that someone, someday, should redo a ton of things in this crazy place. But I quite like it, nonetheless. I just was hoping for some ideas that I could do myself (since the owners are okay with me fixing things up to suit myself) to make it a bit more practical without getting into major renovations.

The landlords are nice, and happy to let me do as I please without breathing down my neck, I'm happy to return the favor. In my price range, I looked a bunch of in-law or studio places that had proper plumbing but no real cooking set up or enough space for me to spread out. I like the idea of clamping on a hose to extend the water so it lands all in the sink...then I won't risk bumping the "faucet". The previous renter in this place was here for 8 years, so it has held up to usage for that long, I probably can't do too much damage even if I leave it as is.

I spent 5 months living in tents while building a home, then another year with no running water and only temporary electric...I can totally be happy with funky plumbing! I pick my battles, and have no desire to cause a rumpus over something like this when I could see it all before I chose to sign the lease.

I really do appreciate the ideas, and the support, everyone offers. Please don't think I am either ungrateful for your feedback, or a doormat who can't stand up for herself to her landlords. I am pretty happy with my odd little cottage, and just would like to reduce the amount of water I get all over the floor without actually rocking the boat. :-)

Clamped on a lot of hoses, have ya?

Please get a hose that is rated for drinking water. Marine supply store would have it. Better would be to get what you need from a reStore: sink, cabinet, faucet, backsplash and countertop can all be found there in expensively. We redid a small cottage with many trips to our local re Store.