Earlier this year, judges at the 11th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting sipped more than 50 waters from communities across the United States and around the globe, ultimately deciding which municipality had the best tasting tap water in the world. Held in the historic spa town of Berkeley Springs, W. Va., the contest is the largest water tasting competition in the world.
Representatives from Bosnia, Moldavia, Scotland, Sweden and Syria were in attendance as waters from nine countries, 26 U.S. states and the District of Columbia competed for the coveted honor.
But what makes one water taste better than another? Experts say potassium makes water sweeter, calcium and magnesium give it fullness, and storage in glass is better than plastic because the water won't absorb odors or taste from the packaging. Ideally, no specific flavor should overwhelm the palate.
This year, the tap water bragging rights went to Amos, Quebec. The silver metal was handed to Desert Hot Springs, Calif., while the bronze was bestowed upon Dubuque, Iowa.
Yucca Valley, Calif.'s water earned the most drinkable title last year, and other previous municipal category winners include two-time victor Charleston,W.Va., and three- time winner Atlantic City, N.J. All three competed again this year, but only Atlantic City placed, tying with Huntington Station, N.Y., for fifth place.
