The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word WATERS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
A
T
E
R
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Provides refreshment" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case provides refreshment = waters.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WATERS mean?
WATERS noun- A substance (of molecular formula H₂O) found at room temperature and pressure as a clear liquid; it is present naturally as rain, and found in rivers, lakes and seas; its solid form is ice and its gaseous form is steam.
- The aforementioned liquid, considered one of the Classical elements or basic elements of alchemy.
- Water in a body; an area of open water.
- A body of water, almost always a river.
- A combination of water and other substance(s).
- (in the plural or in the singular) A state of affairs; conditions; usually with an adjective indicating an adverse condition.
- A person's intuition.
- Excess valuation of securities.
- The limpidity and lustre of a precious stone, especially a diamond.
- A wavy, lustrous pattern or decoration such as is imparted to linen, silk, metals, etc.
- To pour water into the soil surrounding (plants).
- To wet or supply with water; to moisten; to overflow with water; to irrigate.
- To provide (animals) with water for drinking.
- To get or take in water.
- To urinate onto.
- To dilute.
- To overvalue (securities), especially through deceptive accounting.
- To fill with or secrete water.
- To wet and calender, as cloth, so as to impart to it a lustrous appearance in wavy lines; to diversify with wavelike lines.