Waterford picked up their second point in a row after a resolute defensive performance, while Bohemians despite remaining unbeaten, failed to regain top spot.
Waterford led the game at half time, before Dawson Devoy pulled one back for the hosts just past the hour mark.
The Dublin side failed to capitalise on their many chances however and were denied by a fantastic performance from Arlo Doherty in the Waterford goal.
Alan Reynolds side maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign but ultimately missed the chance to go top of the league despite St. Pats losing to Dundalk.
Waterford will be happy to take a point home, but their wait for a first league win of the season will go on.
Bohemians dominated the opening exchanges and after a sustained spell of pressure, the first chance of them game fell to Connor Parsons, who latched onto a wonderful Devoy cross, but his header drifted just wide of the post.
Bohs looked very comfortable on the ball and were playing like a side that are unbeaten in the league so far, albeit without creating many clear-cut chances.
Waterford for their part defended well, and halfway through the first half they had their first attack of note, with centre back Hayden Cann going on a mazy run through the Bohs defence but was tackled before he could get his shot away.
In the 32nd minute Parsons went close again, with his curling effort from the edge of the box forcing Doherty into an acrobatic save.
It was Waterford who would soon take the lead though just minutes later, through a fine John Mahon header. After a brilliant in swinging delivery from Evan McLoughlin the big centre back rose highest the head home at the back post.
The Dublin side responded well though, and were almost level just before half time, Harry Vaughan, on loan from Hull City, going close this time, forcing a good save from Doherty down low to his left.
The game continued in much of the same pattern in the second half, with Bohemians dominating most of the chances and possession.
Dawson Devoy’s strike on the hour mark was just tipped over by Doherty, and he was called into action minutes later again to make a stunning top handed save to keep out a Colm Whelan header.
The pressure eventually told and after Devoy was hacked down in the box, Whelan had no issue dispatching his penalty high to the right past a helpless Doherty to bring Bohs level.
The Dublin side were really pushing for the win now and with 15 to go, Whelan must have thought he’d scored but his header thundered back off the crossbar.
With 88 minutes gone, Bohemians had another chance saved by the impressive Doherty after a scramble in the box and that was the closest they would get to winning it with Waterford defending well to close it out.
Man of the Match: Arlo Doherty was excellent in the Waterford goal, and his nine saves were crucial to helping them gain a point.
Line Ups:
Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka, Darragh Power, Patrick Hickey, Sam Todd, Senan Mullen (Jordan Flores 46’), Sadou Diallo (Adam McDonnell 58’), Dawson Devoy, Harry Vaughan (Markuss Strod 58’), Connor Parsons (Cian Byrne 76’), Zane Myers (Ross Tierney 58’), Colm Whelan.
Waterford F.C: Arlo Doherty, Alan Zborowski, Hayden Cann, John Mahon (Kevin Long 46’), Jesse Dempsey, Ronan Mansfield, Dean McMenamy (Jordan Faria 77’), Evan McLaughlin (Luke Heeney 62’), Conor Carty (Jorgen Voilas 77’), Conan Noonan (Cian Barrett 68’), Padraig Amond.
Referee: Declan Toland.