Tomorrow, New Zealand and Australia will go head-to-head for the coveted trans-Tasman title of Best Tasting Tap Water. On Wednesday 23 July, Timaru District Council’s Seadown water treatment plant – the current New Zealand champion – will face off against Australia’s reigning titleholder, Isaac Regional Council’s Glenden Scheme from Queensland. The showdown, affectionately known as the ‘Bledisloe Cup of tap water tasting’, will take place in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Timaru earned its place in the trans-Tasman final after taking out New Zealand’s National Water Taste Test. Then event, sponsored by IXOM, was held on 29 May at the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) annual conference and awards in Nelson. Municipal water suppliers from across the country were invited to submit samples of their finest drop, with the Seadown plant ultimately crowned this year’s national winner.

Australia’s competition followed a similar process. Water authorities from both regional and metropolitan areas competed in state-based heats, with the winners advancing to the national final. Isaac Regional Council’s Glenden Scheme emerged as the overall Australian champion.

The IXOM-sponsored Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test is a fun way to raise awareness of the quality of drinking water in New Zealand and Australia, and to recognise the efforts of local water operators and their teams to deliver valuable water services to their communities.

During judging, water samples are subjected to a blind taste test and rated according to the ‘Water Tasting Wheel’. The Wheel outlines some of the attributes water professionals use when assessing water such as colour, clarity, odour and taste. Think ‘wine tasting’ without needing to spit out the samples and you won’t be far wrong.

“Many of us turn on taps for a drink, to cook and to shower, with little thought about the complexities involved in operating and maintaining the water infrastructure,” said Joshua McIndoe, Chair, WIOG. “The competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day.”

Mr McIndoe also acknowledged IXOM’s support of the Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test. “IXOM’s steadfast commitment to the industry enables us to run this competition and celebrate the critical work of water service providers in both New Zealand and Australia,” he said.

“IXOM is proud to be the sponsor of the prestigious 2025 Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test competition,” said Sean Eccles, General Manager New Zealand, IXOM. “IXOM is a leading supplier of water treatment chemicals to the water sector. With over 100 years of expertise, IXOM locally manufactures and supplies chemicals to water treatment plants all over New Zealand and Australia. We strive to raise standards and innovate across the industry, and help to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean and great-tasting drinking water.”

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