A panel of National Water Taste Test Competition judges has been sitting in the Dunedin Town Hall this week, looking at copious glasses of water to check for clarity, swirling them to release the aromatic notes, , sniffing them to isolate the scents and then sipping them to taste for metals, acidity, bitterness and sweetness.
Rather than coming to the city in bottles from barrels that have been perfecting for decades, the non-vintage water came in bottles straight from taps in municipal water supplies across the country.
Last night, Waimate was named as the 2023 winner.
The competition was part of the Water Industry Operations Group annual conference.
Chairman and judge Joshua McIndoe said most people turned on taps for a drink, to cook or to shower, and gave little thought to the complexities involved in operating and maintaining water infrastructure.
‘‘Taste is the big thing. You want it to be cleansing to the palate — you don’t want any metallic, salty or earthy undertones.
‘‘The best water has no flavour.
‘‘The competition acknowledges the individuals and organisations that are stepping up to make sure their communities are supplied with safe drinking water every day.’’
Mr McIndoe said the best part about the competition for the judges was they did not have a dry mouth and a headache the morning after judging was completed.
‘‘We’re well hydrated and fresh for the next day.’’ — Additional reporting Titus Lambert-Lane.
