---
title: Which water utility has the best-tasting water in NSW?
description: Which water utility has the best-tasting water in NSW?
---

[![Indigo by AWA logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Indigo_colour.png?height=24&name=Indigo_colour.png)](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)

[![Ozwater logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Ozwater.png?height=24&name=Ozwater.png)](https://www.ozwater.org/)

[![Careers in Water logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png?height=24&name=Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png)](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/)

[![NWW logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/NWW.png?height=24&name=NWW.png)](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org/)

- [Join ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-user-icon.svg "user icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/new-registration)
- [Member Hub ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-locked-icon.svg "user icon")](https://memberhub.awa.asn.au)
- [About us ![about us icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-about-us-icon-copy.svg "about us icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/about)
- [Contact us ![contact icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-contact-icon.svg "contact icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us)

[Skip to content](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/which-water-utility-has-the-best-tasting-water-in-nsw#main-content)

[![Australian Water Association | 60 Years](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/AWA-logo@2x.png?width=180&height=85&name=AWA-logo@2x.png "Australian Water Association | 60 Years")](https://awa.asn.au)

- [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au)
- [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
  
  Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch)
          - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks)
          - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals)
    - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections)
          - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace)
- [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au)
  
  Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)
- [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
  
  Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)
    - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news)
    - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030)
    - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine)
    - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal)
    - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan)
    - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport)
    - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts)
    - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases)
    - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers)
- [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
  
  Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
    - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar)
    - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater)
    - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)
- [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
  
  Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
    - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual)
    - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship)
    - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award)
    - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation)
    - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards)
    - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp)
    - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll)
- [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs)
  
  Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
    - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy)
    - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring)
    - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water)
    - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org)
    - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce)
    - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/)

- [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au)
- [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
  
  Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch)
          - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks)
          - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals)
    - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate)
      
      Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg)
      
      ---
      
          - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections)
          - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace)
- [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au)
  
  Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)
- [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
  
  Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/)
    - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news)
    - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030)
    - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine)
    - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal)
    - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan)
    - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport)
    - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts)
    - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases)
    - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers)
- [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
  
  Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events)
    - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar)
    - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater)
    - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)
- [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
  
  Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards)
    - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual)
    - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship)
    - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award)
    - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation)
    - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards)
    - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp)
    - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll)
- [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs)
  
  Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) 
  
    - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
    - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy)
    - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring)
    - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water)
    - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org)
    - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce)
    - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/)

![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-hamburger.svg)

![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-close.svg)

[Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) > [Latest News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) >  Which water utility has the best tasting water in nsw

# Which water utility has the best-tasting water in NSW?

Apr 4, 2017 | 1 mins read ![User Icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-user.svg "User Icon") by Water Source

An annual competition has awarded a Canberra-based utility the title of “best-tasting water in NSW and ACT”.

The ACT’s sole water provider Icon Water beat out more than 20 other utilities to take home the top spot in the annual [NSW/ACT Ixom Best Tap Water competition](http://stfi.re/ajbeoop). MidCoast Water and Port Macquarie Hastings were the two runners-up.

Judges tested samples on three key criteria: “Turbidity, which is the colour and look of the water; the odour of the water; and obviously the taste,” said judge Jarryd Millard.

Staff from Icon Water were very pleased with the results, according to Manager Robert Allen.

"We don't have to run a complex chemical removal process in order to get high-quality drinking water to the Canberra public," he said.

"What makes our water so good is the quality of the catchment water we get – it comes out of the Cotter area, it is crystal clear … It doesn't have an underlying chemical taste. It is refreshing to drink, almost sweet. It tastes like pure water."

Icon Water will now represent NSW/ACT in the Water of Origin competition against Queensland in June, as well as the national water competition in October.

Allen said he was confident Icon Water had a shot at the national title.

"Bring it on. I think we have got a pretty good chance to go all the way with this one," he said.

The annual competition aims to celebrate the efforts of providers to [generate top-quality drinking water for Australians](http://54.252.223.120/community/engagement/does-australia-have-the-best-water-in-the-world-on-tap/).

[ Canberra ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/canberra) [ Tap Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/tap-water) [ Engagement ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/engagement) [ Drinking Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/drinking-water) [ Icon Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/icon-water) [ ACT ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/act) [ Water of Origin ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/water-of-origin) [ Utilities ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/utilities)

 Share

[![email icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-email.svg "email icon") ](mailto:?subject=Which%20water%20utility%20has%20the%20best-tasting%20water%20in%20NSW?&body=Check%20out%20https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/which-water-utility-has-the-best-tasting-water-in-nsw) [![facebook-icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-facebook.svg "facebook icon") ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/which-water-utility-has-the-best-tasting-water-in-nsw) [![LinkedIn icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-linkedin.svg "LinkedIn icon") ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/which-water-utility-has-the-best-tasting-water-in-nsw) [![Twitter icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-twitter.svg "Twitter icon") ](https://twitter.com/home?status=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/which-water-utility-has-the-best-tasting-water-in-nsw)

## RELATED NEWS

### [ Does Australia have the best water in the world on tap? ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/does-australia-have-the-best-water-in-the-world-on-tap)

Water Source

 TasWater is vying for the title of Best Water in the World after shipping out a sample from its Barrington water treatment plant. [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/does-australia-have-the-best-water-in-the-world-on-tap)

### [ One of SA’s smallest treatment plants has won best tasting tap water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/one-of-sas-smallest-treatment-plants-has-won-best-tasting-tap-water)

Water Source

 Discerning tap-water drinkers should set their sights on SA Water’s Woolpunda Water Treatment Plant, which has been named best… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/one-of-sas-smallest-treatment-plants-has-won-best-tasting-tap-water)

### [ Tap water taste test draws attention to Australia’s top drop ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/tap-water-taste-test-draws-attention-to-australias-top-drop)

Water Source

 Five water utilities from around Australia will be judged on the taste of their tap water this week for a competition heralding the… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/tap-water-taste-test-draws-attention-to-australias-top-drop)

 Advertising

---

### Subscribe to our newsletters

 Sign up to get the latest news and insights from us

 Advertising

---

![white arrow pointing upwards](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-white-arrow-up.svg) Top

[![Footer-logo-02](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Footer-logo-02.svg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/)

The **Australian Water Association** acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Australia, where we live, work and play, for their deep connection to our precious waters and land.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and the ancestors who have cared, protected and nurtured Country for many thousands of years.

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices, and names of people who have passed away. Please [let us know ](mailto:membership@awa.asn.au)if anything on the site causes distress.

- [About us](https://www.awa.asn.au/about)
- [International](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international)
- [Principal Members](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership)
- [Resources](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources)
- [Jobs Board](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs)

 Branches

[ ACT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/act)

[ NSW ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nsw)

[ NT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nt)

[ QLD ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/qld)

[ SA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/sa)

[ TAS ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/tas)

[ VIC ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/vic)

[ WA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/wa)

[ IWAA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/iwaa)

 Subscribe to our newsletter

 Follow us

[![nav-icon-facebook](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/australianwater) [![nav-icon-instagram](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-instagram.svg) ](https://www.instagram.com/australianwaterassociation/) [![nav-icon-youtube](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-youtube.svg) ](https://www.youtube.com/c/australianwaterTV) [![nav-icon-twitter](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-twitter.svg) ](https://twitter.com/AustralianWater) [![nav-icon-linkedin](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-linkedin.svg) ](https://au.linkedin.com/company/australian-water-association) [![nav-icon-flickr](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-flickr.svg) ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums)

 Australian Water Association

 PO Box 841, Chatswood NSW 2057

 Phone [ + 61 2 9436 0055 ](tel:+%2061%202%209436%200055)

 ABN: 78 096 035 773

[ Contact us ](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us)

 Copyright 2025 - Australian Water Association  -

[ Terms of Use ](https://www.awa.asn.au/terms-of-use) | [ Privacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/privacy-policy) |  Sitemap