In this paper, the main objective is to investigate the influence of confined water on the dynamic response of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs under a near-field air explosion. The confined water is stored in a relatively shallow tank that is placed either above or below the RC-slab. The depth of the water tank is selected to be approximately 40% of the thickness of the slab. The study is conducted experimentally with the aid of field blast tests. Experimental observations indicate that confined water can significantly intensify the energy of the explosion and the level of damages (i.e., concrete spalling and perforations) introduced in a RC-slab. The damages are found to be more severe when the confined water is located above the slab and encounters the blast shock waves prior to the slab. The capability of confined water in amplifying the energy of explosion may be viewed as a potential technique for engineering demolition of deteriorated structures in urban areas with the aid of minor detonations.