In a closely fought competition, Manawatū lost to the Northern Territory’s Katherine water treatment plant.
This year’s four New Zealand grand finalists were the Rotorua Lakes Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Manawatū District Council and Napier City Council.
Josh Palmer of the Waimakariri District Council rates water samples during the first heat of this year’s National Water Taste Test. Photo / Annabel Reid
Judges said in a media release that all four delivered a high standard of water, but the decision in favour of Manawatū was unanimous.
The transtasman test was decided by popular vote and “could have gone either way”.
The Timaru District Council won New Zealand’s best tap water last year, but lost against a Queensland entry.
Rotorua’s Karamu Takina Spring won the national title in 2024 and drew with a Tasmanian supply.
Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre hosted this year’s competitions at the annual Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) conference and awards.
All municipal water suppliers were invited to submit samples. which judges assessed in a blind taste test using the Water Tasting Wheel, which measures qualities such as colour, clarity, smell and taste.
The Manawatū, Rotorua, Western Bay and Napier councils were grand finalists in the 2026 IXOM National Water Taste Test. Photo / Annabel Reid
Organisers said the National Water Taste Test was a fun way to raise awareness of the quality of drinking water in New Zealand.
It also recognised the efforts of local water operators and their teams who deliver this valuable water service to their communities.
“Many of us turn on taps for a drink, to cook and to shower, with little thought about the complexities involved in operating and maintaining the water infrastructure,” said WIOG chairman Joshua McIndoe in the media release.
“This competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day.”