Wannon Water has won the silver medal for it’s tap water from Hamilton Water Treatment Plant at the 29th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition.
The international water tasting competition, which was held in the US from 21–24 February 2019, saw Wannon Water follow in the footsteps of Marysville Water, which took out second place in 2016, taking the Australian tally to two silver medals in the last three years.
The success of Wannon Water is largely due to the installation of a new water treatment plant, which has helped it overcome issues with water quality.
But it was its success at the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) Ixom Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition that allowed the utility to compete internationally.
Water providers from various regional and metropolitan areas participate in state competitions for the Ixom Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition during the year, with the winners going head to head for the national title.
The judges of the competitions use a blind taste test approach, with samples judged on colour, clarity, odour, mouthfeel and taste.
Craig Mathisen, WIOA Chief Operations Officer, said, “Members of the general public would probably be surprised to learn the complexities involved in delivering high-quality water to our taps each day.
“The competition is a testament to the excellent quality of Australian water and to the diligence and commitment of the operational employees who deliver it to our communities.”
While the competitions are all in the spirit of good fun, there is a meaningful undertone to it, recognising the hard work of those who ensure safe, clean drinking water is available to us every day.
Stephen Rasdell, Ixom’s General Manager of Water, said that there’s an important reason for Ixom’s involvement in the taste test competition.
“We have been involved in Australian water treatment for some 80 years and are incredibly proud of the work being done in this space. Ixom has the expertise and experience to ensure high-quality drinking water is supplied to homes around Australia.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this event and to celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and communities in supplying and maintaining exceptional water quality.
“Many of us turn on taps for a drink, to cook and shower, with little consideration of what it takes to operate and maintain the water infrastructure.
“We want to celebrate our unsung heroes — the water operators and the maintenance crews who work all year-round to ensure we have high-quality water, which is essential to keep us alive.”
