Media release – 5 May 2026 – New Zealand’s best-tasting tap water will be crowned in Rotorua next week before going head-to-head with Australia’s finest, all in the same day.

Water suppliers from across the country will compete in the IXOM National Water Taste Test heats on 13 May, with the grand final on 14 May. The New Zealand winner will then take on Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water later that day in a trans-Tasman showdown, affectionately known as the ‘Bledisloe Cup of tap water tasting’.

All municipal water suppliers in New Zealand have been invited to submit a sample of their finest drop to the Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) as part of the annual WIOG conference, which is taking place this year in Rotorua.

The IXOM National Water Taste Test is a fun way to raise awareness of the quality of drinking water in New Zealand, while recognising the efforts of local water operators and their teams who deliver this valuable water service to their communities.

The winner will earn the ‘Best Tasting Tap Water’ title and have bragging rights over the other water suppliers in New Zealand for the next 12 months. In the ultimate showdown, it will also represent New Zealand against Australia in the IXOM Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test. The current title holder for Australia comes from Katherine in the Northern Territory.

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. “This 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 decade-long support of the IXOM National Water Taste Test. “IXOM’s commitment to the industry enables us to continue running this competition year after year and celebrate the critical work of water service providers across the country,” he said.

“For over 10 years now, we've been proud to sponsor the IXOM National Water Taste Test competition,” said Sean Eccles, Executive Vice President – New Zealand, IXOM. “As a leading supplier of water treatment chemicals to the sector, IXOM supports water treatment plants with reliable, resilient and innovative solutions. It's our privilege to supply locally manufactured products to water treatment plants all over New Zealand to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean and great-tasting drinking water.”

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