Battle begins for South Australia’s water winner

Thirsty judges will soon put their tastebuds to the test and sample water from water treatment plants from around South Australia in the 2022 Best Tasting Tap Water competition.

Regional and metropolitan water operators will submit their water samples in hopes of being crowned the best tasting water in the state, along with a year’s worth of bragging rights.

The annual competition on 19 October is organised by the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA), with an independent judging panel of water industry experts assessing colour, clarity, odour and mouthfeel during blind taste tests.

SA Water's Water Production Engineer Liam Tothill said all of the submitted entries are high-quality samples including last year’s winner, Anstey Hill Water Treatment Plant.

“This year we have water from a range of different sources including from reservoirs, desalination plants and the River Murray,” Liam said.

“Anstey Hill are looking to defend their title, but they have stiff competition from the other treatment plants who will also be looking to take the number one spot.

“Each water source has a different treatment process which can alter the look and taste, and all water we produce is safe to drink. This is down to the work every day of our dedicated water treatment teams who help to manage this essential service."

WIOA Managing Director George Wall reiterated that the competition recognises and acknowledges the individuals and organisations that are stepping up, some in very trying circumstances, to make sure their communities are supplied with safe drinking water every day.

“We want to use the competition to let people know the great work that is going on in local communities around Australia, and help to shape and secure Australia’s water future,” said George.

“WIOA would also like to acknowledge Ixom’s support of the Best Tasting Tap Water competition. We have been able to run the competition through these uncertain times because of their unwavering commitment and support to the industry."

The contenders for next week's event are Anstey Hill, Morgan, Woolpunda, Mount Pleasant, Penneshaw and Happy Valley. TRILITY, who operate several of SA Water's treatment plants will also submit samples from Remark, Berri, Loxton, Barmera, Waikerie, Swan Reach, Mannum, Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge and Summit.

The winner of the state event will then go on to compete in the national competition at Casino, New South Wales, in November.

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