A sample of water from Fern Tree is headed to the US for the 34th Annual International Water Tasting in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia to go into the running to win the title of best tasting tap water in the world.
TasWater Manager Water Quality, Stephen Westgate, said that Fern Tree had earned its shot at global glory after being named Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water for 2023.
“Representing the nation is a proud moment for TasWater, and having previously won the award for world’s best in 2021, we know the international judges like the taste of Tasmanian water,” Mr Westgate said.
“Our specially packed water samples were sent to the USA a week ago to take part in this weekend’s blind-taste test alongside water from across the world.”
Sourced from rainfall and snowmelt off kunanyi/Mount Wellington, the pure taste and clarity of Fern Tree’s water has long been celebrated by locals for its exceptional quality. A panel of judges will sip samples sent from 60 countries in a range of different categories.
The tasting kicks off Saturday local time in Berkeley Springs which will mean an early start for Mr Westgate who will be watching the webcast from home in southern Tasmania.
“Getting this right is a balancing act that we do well in Tasmania.
“TasWater has won the award for Australia’s best tasting water three times, for Fern Tree, Barrington and Rossarden.
“Rossarden then won the world’s best award in 2021. To be back in the running just three years later is a great achievement for us, and really demonstrates the care we take with each drop we produce.
“Having clean and pure water sources helps, but we need the best treatment processes to back that up, and last year we invested nearly $120 million in water treatment across the state to make sure great tasting, safe and reliable drinking water is delivered to all our customers.
“Hopefully on Sunday afternoon I’ll be toasting another Tasmanian win with a drop of local water and maybe something a little stronger too.”
The event will be livestreamed on the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Facebook page, with the winner of Best Tasting Tap Water announced at around lunchtime on Sunday 25 February AEST.
