Once again, water utilities from across the country will battle it out in the 2nd Ixom 2016 Best Tap Water in Australia competition on 19 October 2016 in Marysville, hosted by the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA).
The national competition will take part during National Water Week, with the Marysville community, and attendees invited to take part in the judging process.
Using a blind taste test, samples will be judged on their colour, clarity, odour and taste.
The winning providers from the 2016 state Ixom taste tests are now invited to submit their samples at the national competition in Marysville.
The winner of the Ixom 2016 Best Tap Water in Australia competition will then go on to represent Australia at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition held in West Virginia, USA.
The state finalists that have been invited to submit samples are:
Nambucca Shire Council (NSW)
Sample taken from: Bowraville WTP
Barcaldine Regional Council (QLD)
Sample taken from: Barcaldine WTP
SA Water (SA)
Sample taken from: Morgan WTP
TasWater (TAS)
Sample taken from: Barrington WTP
North East Water (VIC)
Sample taken from: Myrtleford WTP
Regardless of the winning utility, the competition aims to honour the hard work of those who ensure safe, clean drinking water is delivered to Australian taps every day.
WIOA Chief Operations Officer, Craig Mathisen, said, “The competition is a testament to the high-quality of Australian water and the diligence and commitment of the operational employees to provide a supply of safe, great tasting water to communities across Australia.
“Many of us turn on the faucets for a drink of water, to cook and take a shower and give little thought to what it takes to operate and maintain the municipal water infrastructure.
“Most members of the general public would be surprised by the complexity and hard work that goes into delivering household water.
“That’s one of the reasons for the water tasting contest, we want to celebrate our unsung heroes – the water operators and their crews who work all year-round to ensure we have water, which is essential to keeping us alive.”
Ixom General Manager of Water, Steven Rasdell, said his company was delighted to be a part of the taste test.
“We have been involved in Australian water treatment for around 80 years and are immensely proud of the work that is done in this space.
“We’re delighted to be a sponsor of the taste tests in each state and to celebrate the achievements of water providers in producing a high quality, safe and enjoyable product,” said Mr Rasdell.
The day’s events in Marysville will also include the unveiling of a new hydration station near the Visitor Information Centre, community and school activities including tours of the Marysville Water Treatment Plant conducted by Goulburn Valley Water.
