Water tasting: The search for the best tap water in B.C.
Tap water will be judged based on appearance, aroma, taste, feel and aftertaste
The search is on for the best tasting tap water in B.C. and the Yukon.
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The 'Best of the Best' tap water competition is being held at the annual BC Water and Waste conference in Whistler, B.C. on May 3.
Like wine tasting
The competition is like wine tasting in many ways. There is a panel of judges called 'aqualiers' and like sommeliers, they will be judging water samples based on their appearance, aroma, taste, feel and aftertaste.
They will also be clearing their palates with crackers in between tastings.
Unlike wine though, water has very little flavour which makes it more challenging for the judges.
"We have to put all our senses to work and assess very minor differences," said Colwyn Sunderland, a judge and president of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association.
Minerals make all the difference
According to Sunderland, the difference in taste mainly comes from the amount of minerals found in the water.
"Well water has more minerals in it than serviced water," he said.
"It is often water from wells that has the most interesting flavour and nuance. They are the most successful in these contests," he said.
Last year the City of Chilliwack won the title of best tap water.
The competition does have a serious side — the intention is to highlight how fortunate Canadians are to have safe and clean drinking water that is easily accessible.
With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Christine Coulter.