The answer could only have been water Minxy because there is no reference to heat which would be required to make steam. (Cryptic clues will always lead to only one possible answer, simple clues can be ambiguous with many possibilities)
If it helps Minxy - the first part of the clue gives the whole answer (though there are a number of possibilities), the second part breaks the word down and confirms a specific answer
best road You are very close Ron, it needs to be one word to fit the first part of the clue (an anagram of your answer)
Fine Minxy thanks. Have to go outside now. Work to do. Very sunny and warm today. If it stays like this for a few days it might be a trip to the beach.