Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 12-cup muffin pan, or line with paper liners.
Whisk sugar, eggs, and oil together in a medium bowl. Stir in pumpkin and water until well combined.
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt together in a large bowl.
Stir pumpkin mixture into flour mixture until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips.
Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about ⅔ full.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
