Boston Water & Sewer Commission (BWSC) won the 10th annual “Best of the Best” Tap Water Taste Test. Second place in the competition was given to another Boston water utility — Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The event, composed of regional winners from water-tasting competitions across North America, was held at the American Water Works Assn.’s (AWWA) Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE14) in Boston.
Boston is home to New England’s oldest and largest water and sewer systems, which are owned, maintained and operated by BWSC. Established in 1977, the commission continues to provide water and sewer services to more than one million people every day.
Third place in the competition was awarded to the city of Kalama, Wash. The People’s Choice award winner, as determined by the conference attendees, also went to the city of Kalama.
A judging panel rated each water system on its flavor characteristics. Judges included Roy Desrochers, sensory practice leader for GEI Consultants Inc.; James Naylor, project manager for Alan Plummer Associates; Matt Tolcher, senior project manager for Jacobs; and Peter Howe, business editor for the New England Cable News.
This is the 10th year AWWA has held the national competition. Previous winners are Oklahoma City Water & Wastewater Utility (2007 and 2013); Fremont, Neb. (2012); Greenville, S.C. (2011); Stevens Point, Wis. (2010); Macon (Ga.) Water Authority (2009); Louisville (Ky.) Water Co. (2008); and Illinois American Water, Champaign District (2005 and 2006).
Source: AWWA
