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Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Timaru brings best-tasting tap water title back south
Timaru District Council's Seadown water supply has been crowned the best tasting tap water in New Zealand in the 2025 IXOM National Water Taste Test competition. Four New Zealand district councils were vying for the coveted title, including the reigning champions, Rotorua Lakes District Council. Mayor of Timaru, Nigel Bowen, was delighted with the result. 'It is really good water, it's from a shallow well next to the Ōpihi River, so a really good source water and there's not a lot of treatment, a little bit of chlorine and ultraviolet.' It's the third time Timaru's water has taken out top spot, he says, but this is the first win for the Seadown water scheme. The scheme covers 450 households, and farm stock, but also the airport, so visitors can sample for themselves when they land, he says. 'Come to Timaru and try the best water in the country,' he said. Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand chairperson Joshua McIndoe said the finalists were judged on four criteria: colour, clarity, odour and taste. He said the water from Rotorua and Taupō were both from surface water catchments, while Timaru and Waimakariri were both bore water supplies. "That just shows no matter what the source there is a great treatment process to produce really good quality water." He said the competition was a way of showcasing the work operations staff were doing to produce safe, compliant and good tasting, quality drinking water. McIndoe said it was a tough competition, as drinking water quality was high across New Zealand. One of the judges, IXOM technical specialist Rachel Oxtoby was impressed with each of the samples. "This is a tough call. They are all really clear, really crisp, not too much in the way of earth tones, chlorine, or odour. It's hard." It was also a difficult decision for judge Jean Calderon of Water Industry Operations Association of Australia. "They are all delicious, it's interesting. I thought there would be more differences in the odour. It's going to be a tough call." Water Industry Operations Group executive officer Craig Hiddleston identified at least one notable sample. "There's definitely three that are very similar and one that stands out, but not in a good way." Sprig and Fern Brewing Company owner Tracy Banner has been judging beers and ciders for several decades, but it's the first time she's judged water. "I've just literally come back from judging the World Beer Cup in Indianapolis and from there I went to Melbourne and judged the annual Australian International Beer Awards and I was so thrilled to be invited to come and judge water because it is actually a real interest of mine." Banner tasted the water in her Richmond brewery every day to check its quality and said while beer and water tasting were not dissimilar, the latter had proven more difficult. "It was so hard, there were four fantastic finalists who were deserving... it was more difficult than judging beer. "I think it's easier to score on the clarity and the colour than the aroma and the flavour, because they were so close." Previous winners of the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in New Zealand title 2024 Infracore Rotorua Lakes Council 2023 Waimate District Council 2022 Conference and competition cancelled due to Covid 2021 Timaru District Council 2020 Conference and competition cancelled due to Covid 2019 Timaru District Council 2018 Waikato District Council 2017 Sicon (Contractor for Selwyn DC) 2016 Palmerston North City Council
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
NZ's best-tasting tap water found
Timaru District Council's Seadown water supply has been crowned the best tasting tap water in New Zealand in the 2025 IXOM National Water Taste Test competition. Four New Zealand district councils were vying for the coveted title, including the reigning champions, Rotorua Lakes District Council. Mayor of Timaru, Nigel Bowen, was delighted with the result. 'It is really good water, it's from a shallow well next to the Ōpihi River, so a really good source water and there's not a lot of treatment, a little bit of chlorine and ultraviolet.' It's the third time Timaru's water has taken out top spot, he says, but this is the first win for the Seadown water scheme. The scheme covers 450 households, and farm stock, but also the airport, so visitors can sample for themselves when they land, he says. 'Come to Timaru and try the best water in the country,' he said. Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand chairperson Joshua McIndoe said the finalists were judged on four criteria: colour, clarity, odour and taste. He said the water from Rotorua and Taupō were both from surface water catchments, while Timaru and Waimakariri were both bore water supplies. "That just shows no matter what the source there is a great treatment process to produce really good quality water." He said the competition was a way of showcasing the work operations staff were doing to produce safe, compliant and good tasting, quality drinking water. McIndoe said it was a tough competition, as drinking water quality was high across New Zealand. One of the judges, IXOM technical specialist Rachel Oxtoby was impressed with each of the samples. "This is a tough call. They are all really clear, really crisp, not too much in the way of earth tones, chlorine, or odour. It's hard." It was also a difficult decision for judge Jean Calderon of Water Industry Operations Association of Australia. "They are all delicious, it's interesting. I thought there would be more differences in the odour. It's going to be a tough call." Water Industry Operations Group executive officer Craig Hiddleston identified at least one notable sample. "There's definitely three that are very similar and one that stands out, but not in a good way." Sprig and Fern Brewing Company owner Tracy Banner has been judging beers and ciders for several decades, but it's the first time she's judged water. "I've just literally come back from judging the World Beer Cup in Indianapolis and from there I went to Melbourne and judged the annual Australian International Beer Awards and I was so thrilled to be invited to come and judge water because it is actually a real interest of mine." Banner tasted the water in her Richmond brewery every day to check its quality and said while beer and water tasting were not dissimilar, the latter had proven more difficult. "It was so hard, there were four fantastic finalists who were deserving... it was more difficult than judging beer. "I think it's easier to score on the clarity and the colour than the aroma and the flavour, because they were so close." Previous winners of the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in New Zealand title 2024 Infracore Rotorua Lakes Council 2023 Waimate District Council 2022 Conference and competition cancelled due to Covid 2021 Timaru District Council 2020 Conference and competition cancelled due to Covid 2019 Timaru District Council 2018 Waikato District Council 2017 Sicon (Contractor for Selwyn DC) 2016 Palmerston North City Council
RNZ News
4 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Rotorua, Taupō, Timaru or Waimakariri - which council has the best tap water?
Judges marking water from four district councils in the 2025 Best Tasting Tap Water grand final in Nelson. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee The North and South Islands are going head-to-head in a competition to see which region has the best tasting tap water. Four New Zealand district councils are vying for the coveted title, including the reigning champions, Rotorua Lakes District Council. Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand chairperson Joshua McIndoe said the finalists were judged on four criteria: colour, clarity, odour and taste. He said the water from Rotorua and Taupō were both from surface water catchments, while Timaru and Waimakariri were both bore water supplies. "That just shows no matter what the source there is a great treatment process to produce really good quality water." He said the competition was a way of showcasing the work operations staff were doing to produce safe, compliant and good tasting, quality drinking water. McIndoe said it was a tough competition, as drinking water quality was high across New Zealand. Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand chairperson Joshua McIndoe and Sprig + Fern Brewing co-owner and master brewer Tracy Banner. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee One of the judges, IXOM technical specialist Rachel Oxtoby was impressed with each of the samples. "This is a tough call. They are all really clear, really crisp, not too much in the way of earth tones, chlorine, or odour. It's hard." It was also a difficult decision for judge Jean Calderon of Water Industry Operations Association of Australia. "They are all delicious, it's interesting. I thought there would be more differences in the odour. It's going to be a tough call." Water Industry Operations Group executive officer Craig Hiddleston identified at least one notable sample. "There's definitely three that are very similar and one that stands out, but not in a good way." Sprig and Fern Brewing Company owner Tracy Banner has been judging beers and ciders for several decades, but it's the first time she's judged water. "I've just literally come back from judging the World Beer Cup in Indianapolis and from there I went to Melbourne and judged the annual Australian International Beer Awards and I was so thrilled to be invited to come and judge water because it is actually a real interest of mine." Banner tasted the water in her Richmond brewery every day to check its quality and said while beer and water tasting were not dissimilar, the latter had proven more difficult. "It was so hard, there were four fantastic finalists who were deserving... it was more difficult than judging beer. "I think it's easier to score on the clarity and the colour than the aroma and the flavour, because they were so close." The district with the best tap water will be announced at the conference this evening, with the winner going on to represent New Zealand at the Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test, in New South Wales in July. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZ Water Professionals Go Head-To-Head In High-Pressure Challenge
21 May 2025 – Next week in Nelson, water network operators and civil contractors from across New Zealand will compete in a live, high-pressure skills showdown. The winner of the 2025 National Live Tapping Competition will be crowned on 29 May at the annual Water Industry Operations Group (WIOG) conference. In this high-stakes competition, teams of two race against the clock to connect a household-sized water service to a live water main – without shutting off the supply. Known as water main tapping, this process allows connections to be made under pressure, avoiding costly shutdowns and ensuring customers continue to receive water without interruption. It's a hands-on challenge that demands skill, speed and teamwork, reflecting the real-world pressures water network operators face every day to keep communities supplied. Once the connection is complete, judges inspect every detail for leaks, faults and technical accuracy. The smallest mistake can cost teams valuable seconds, while major errors could mean disqualification. The fastest team – after any penalties are applied – will claim the national title and bragging rights for the next 12 months. Sponsored by Hynds Water, the competition is a showcase of the expertise that New Zealand's water operational teams bring to the job every day, ensuring essential water services reach their communities reliably and efficiently. 'The National Live Tapping Competition is a testament to the proficiency and commitment of our water network operations teams,' said Joshua McIndoe, Chair of WIOG. 'These are the people who work behind the scenes, around the clock, to deliver these vital services, often under demanding conditions.' Mr McIndoe also acknowledged the importance of industry support. 'Competitions like this wouldn't be possible without the backing of knowledgeable and trusted partners like Hynds Water. Their support helps us champion the professionalism of our sector and foster pride in our industry.' 'We're proud to support the National Live Tapping Competition and the skilled teams who take part,' said Brent Merritt, Business Development Manager, Hynds Water. 'There's no room for error in a live pipe connection. This competition showcases the incredible skill and dedication of the professionals who keep our water networks flowing.' Notes: 2025 National Live Tapping Competition: The competition will take place from 12-1.15pm on Thursday, 29 May. The winner of the 2025 National Live Tapping Competition title will be announced on the evening of Thursday, 29 May at the WIOG Conference and Awards dinner at approx. 7.30pm. Previous winners of the National Live Tapping Competition are: 2024 Waipa District Council 2023 Waimakariri District Council 2022 Conference and competition cancelled due to COVID 2021 Timaru District Council & Waimate District Council 2020 Conference and competition cancelled due to COVID 2019 Manawatu District Council About WIOG The Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) is a national not-for-profit incorporation formed in 2006 by a group of dedicated water and wastewater operations professionals. Its membership covers professionals in water and wastewater treatment, reticulation and construction, asset management, engineering, supply owners and industry suppliers. The goals and objectives of the Group are simple: to provide its members with the opportunities to enhance their knowledge, experience and to provide them with a voice. The Group also promotes the water industry 'source to discharge' as a whole in order to raise public awareness. About Hynds Water A division of Hynds Pipe Systems, Hynds Water brings together the water expertise from across the Hynds Group, creating a focused team of professionals dedicated to providing our water customers with the highest level of service and technical expertise, with easy access to world-leading water product brands and agencies.
