There might be ‘water, water everywhere’, but which is the best drop to drink? Well, for the second time, Richmond Valley Council’s Casino water treatment plant has won the title of Best Tasting Tap Water in New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Water suppliers across NSW and ACT went head-to-head yesterday in the 2025 IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competition. All water suppliers across the states were invited to submit a sample of their finest drop to the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA). The award for the NSW/ACT title was judged and presented in Newcastle at the annual WIOA conference.
Won the award in 2021
Richmond Valley Council’s Casino water treatment plant, which previously won the award in 2021, was one of four grand finalists in the running for the coveted title, competing alongside Sydney Water’s Prospect and Central Coast Council’s Somersby plants.
The winner has year-long bragging rights over other water suppliers in NSW/ACT and a spot in the national showdown, competing for the Australian title in December. After Isaac Regional Council’s Glenden Scheme water treatment plant took home the coveted Australian title in 2024, the 2025 national competition will be hosted in Queensland.
The annual IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competition is a fun and engaging way to celebrate the high quality of Australia’s drinking water while acknowledging the dedication of local water service providers in delivering this essential resource to their communities.
A blind taste test
Water samples undergo a blind taste test and are evaluated using the Water Tasting Wheel, which highlights key attributes such as colour, clarity, odour and taste – just like a wine tasting, but without the need to spit!
In its search for the best tasting tap water in each state and nationally, WIOA invites all water suppliers to participate in the competition.
Chief Executive Officer of WIOA, Dean Barnett, said the competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly – often in challenging conditions – to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day. ‘It’s also a great way to shine a spotlight on the vital work happening behind the scenes to safeguard Australia’s water future.’
Mr Barnett also acknowledged IXOM’s ongoing support of the Best Tasting Tap Water competition. ‘IXOM’s steadfast commitment to the industry enables us to continue running this competition and celebrate the critical work of water service providers across the country.’
Later in the judging Australia won the coveted trans-Tasman title of Best Tasting Tap Water. The Queensland Isaac Regional Council Glenden Scheme – the current Australian champion – took on New Zealand’s reigning titleholder, Timaru District Council’s Seadown water treatment plant. The showdown, affectionately known as the ‘Bledisloe Cup of tap water tasting’, was held at Newcastle event.
The winner of the IXOM 2025 Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition will have the opportunity to represent Australia at the annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Competition in West Virginia, USA.
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