Many water systems from different places in Maine gathered at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor to figure out which one has the best-tasting water. Amy Lachance, who manages the Drinking Water Program for the Maine CDC, is experienced in these water taste tests.
But what exactly do judges look for in a water tasting contest? According to Lachance, they focus on the water’s smell, clarity, and taste. She personally likes water with a bit of taste and mentions that they also check for minerals, which make the water more interesting.
During the contest, judges tried five waters with a disinfectant like chlorine and five without. The Skyline Mobile Home Park in Presque Isle had bragging rights in 2023, but the new winner is the Brewer Water Department, which also won in 2019.
Rodney Butler, the department’s superintendent, feels good about winning and is excited to take their water to a national contest in February 2024.
Lachance emphasizes the importance of recognizing the effort put into ensuring drinking water safety. It builds trust in Maine communities when people know that professionals are paying attention to water quality, conducting regular tests, and regulators are overseeing the results to ensure all water is safe.
