Each year during our Annual Conference we invite utilities to bring samples of their water for judging and to claim the title of Best Tasting Water in NC!
Submissions are welcome from any water system in the state and should be turned in at the Annual Conference registration desk on Sunday between 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Samples must be in one-liter clear glass, narrow-mouth bottles.
Bottles should be washed, rinsed with sample and then bottles should be filled and capped, leaving no head space.
Samples should be kept on ice or refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius.
Clearly mark your organization name on ALL bottles, coolers and boxes using tags or removable tape. DO NOT use permanent markers to label bottles.
2 Liters of water sample drawn from the organization’s distribution system must be submitted.
Individual judges will rank samples and the individual results will be combined to establish overall rankings.
Awards will be given for first, second, and third place.
Questions about the contest should be directed to Don Garbrick, Labella Associates at 704-376-6423, extension 120.
2024 City of Gastonia - Two Rivers Utilities 2023 City of Raleigh - Benton 2022 City of Raleigh - Benton 2021 City of Durham 2020 City of Durham 2019 Neuse River 2018 City of Raleigh / City of Kinston -Tie 2017 City of Raleigh 2016 Neuse River 2015 City of Raleigh / City of Kinston -Tie 2014 Neuse Regional Water & Sewer Authority - Kinston, NC 2013 City of Raleigh 2012 Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities Franklin WTP 2011 City of High Point 2010 City of Rocky Mount 2009 Cary/Apex Water Reclamation Facility 2008 Dare County, Skyco WTP 2007 City of High Point 2006 City of Durham 2005 Fayetteville PWC tied with Cary-Apex 2004 Rocky Mount 2003 Orange Water & Sewer Authority 2002 Kerr Lake Regional Water System & City of Henderson 2001 Kerr Lake Regional Water System & City of Henderson 2000 Kerr Lake Regional Water System & City of Henderson 1999 Durham 1998 Southern Pines 1997 Asheboro 1996 Moore County W&S Authority 1995 Lexington 1994 Kinston 1993 Asheboro 1992 Asheboro 1991 Lexington 1990 High Point 1989 OWASA 1988 OWASA 1987 Brevard 1986 Greenville 1985 Charlotte
Second Place Recipients
2024 Orange Water and Sewer Authority 2023 Cary/Apex WTP 2022 Cary/Apex WTP 2016 Kings Mountain 2015 Town of Cary 2014 City of Raleigh EM Johnston Water Treatment Plant 2013 Charlotte Mecklenburg Utility Department, Franklin WTP 2012 Cary-Apex WTP 2011 Rocky Mount Water Treatment Plant 2010 Town of Carthage 2009 Rocky Mount Water Treatment Plant 2008 Cary/Apex WTP 2007 TIE City of Raleigh & City of Gastonia 2006 City of Raleigh tied with Cary-Apex 2004 Cary/Apex tied with Greensboro 2003 Lexington tied with Harnett County 2002 Harnett County 2001 Harnett County 2000 Moore County 1999 Onslow County, Hubert WTP 1998 OWASA 1996 Cary-Apex 1995 Moore County W&S Authority 1994 Henderson 1993 Charlotte (Davidson) 1992 Kings Mountain 1991 Lagrange 1990 Durham 1989 Henderson 1988 Burlington 1987 Fayetteville PWC 1986 Duke Power (Rutherfordton) 1985 Durham
Third Place Recipients
2024 Tie: Cary/Apex WTP & Greenville Utilities Commission 2023 Orange Water and Sewer Authority 2022 City of Durham Williams WTP 2016 Kings Mountain 2015 City of High Point 2014 City of High Point Water Treatment Plant 2013 Fayetteville Public Works Commission 2012 Durham Brown WTP (tie) 2012 City of Asheboro (tie) 2011 Dare County Public Utility Authority 2010 City of Durham 2009 Chatham County Water Treatment Plant 2008 Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, groundwater plant 2007 Harnett County 2005 Rocky Mount 2004 Raleigh 2003 Asheboro 2002 Wilmington 2001 Greenville Utilities Commission tied with W&S Authority of Cabarrus County 2000 N. Fork-Asheville tied with Southern Pines 1999 Harnett County 1998 Asheboro 1997 Gastonia 1996 Charlotte-Franklin WTP 1995 Durham 1994 Durham 1993 Jacksonville 1992 Charlotte 1991 Hendersonville 1990 Charlotte 1989 Charlotte 1988 Winston-Salem 1987 Duke Power (Rutherfordton) 1986 Hendersonville 1985 Greenville
