Competition finds New Zealand’s best tasting tap water

10 May 2019

Last night, Christchurch hosted water authorities from around New Zealand as they competed for the title of Best Tasting Tap Water in the Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) Water Taste Test 2019.

Proudly sponsored by Ixom, the annual competition judged water samples on qualities like colour, clarity, odour and mouthfeel during a series of blind taste tests.

This year the winner was chosen from three finalists out of a field of 13 and Timaru District Council was recognised as providing the best drop.

While the competition itself is 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.

Ixom Business Manager Water Graeme Colquhoun said that there’s an important reason for Ixom’s involvement in the taste test competition.

“We have been involved in New Zealand’s water treatment for several decades and are proud of the work being done in this space. We’re delighted to be a sponsor of this event and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the individuals and communities that supply and maintain our country’s exceptional water quality,” said Colquhoun.

WIOG Chair Nick Hewer-Hewitt said that 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 testament to the excellent quality of New Zealand water and to the skill and commitment of the operational employees who deliver it to our communities. 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,” said Hewer-Hewitt. “We want to celebrate our unsung heroes – the water operators and the maintenance crews who work year-round to ensure we have safe water of a consistently high quality.”

The other two finalists for the 2019 competition were Wellington Water and Waimate District Council.

The judging panel for the final round consisted of: Simon Bretherton, Cassels Brewing, Christchurch; Nathan Swain, Ixom; Martyn Simpson, WIOG; Adam Panozzo, North East Water, Victoria, Australia.

Ends

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