The best water in the county comes from the Suffolk Water Authority, according to 240 participants in last week’s drinking water contest at Farmingdale State College. Sponsored by the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC), the 36th Annual Drinking Water Tasting Contest featured dozens of public providers in a blind taste test.
“Our annual contest is one of the most exciting times of year for us,” said LIWC Chairman Jason Belle. “It not only serves as a fun, friendly competition between our many water providers, but it affords us the opportunity to engage with the residents whom we serve and help them understand just how much work goes into providing them with high-quality water every day.”
Taste-testers voted for their favorite water and received giveaways, in addition to learning about how water is delivered to the homes. Representatives from water suppliers in Nassau and Suffolk were on hand to answer questions on treatment methods and maintaining Long Island’s high-quality drinking water standards, as well as protecting the island’s underground water supply.
“We always enjoy competing in the Long Island Water Conference’s Drinking Water Tasting Contest, but it is especially exciting to be declared this year’s winner,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “It was great to see such a positive response from so many students, faculty and others at Farmingdale State College throughout the two-day event. We are proud of the water we serve to our 1.2 million customers every day, and these results amplify that feeling even more.”
The county authority shared the podium with this year's Nassau winner, the Bayville Water Department. For emerging triumphant with the best-tasting drinking water, the providers will hold onto the coveted trophy for a year and win bragging rights among their fellow suppliers, LIWC chairman Belle said. They will go on to compete in the New York State Regional Metro Tap Water Taste Contest held in New York City in early August and then, if they advance, will vie for the state title at the Great New York State Fair later in the summer.
The Water Conference has been committed to providing pure and plentiful water for Long Island since 1951. They represent over 50 water suppliers regionally and aim to provide and maintain an adequate and safe water supply today, while anticipating the water concerns of future generations. LIWC members provide more than 375 million gallons of clean water daily. For more information, please visit www.liwc.org.