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.
The competitions took place in Nelson at the annual Water Industry Operations Group of New Zealand (WIOG) conference and awards yesterday. All municipal water suppliers in New Zealand were invited to compete in the IXOM National Water Taste Test and submit a sample of their finest drop to WIOG.
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.
Timaru District Council – Seadown now has bragging rights over the other water suppliers in New Zealand for the next 12 months. It was competing in the Grand Final against Waimakariri District Council – Cust; Rotorua Lakes Council – Eastern supply, Waipa; and Taupō District Council – Tirohanga.
During judging, water samples were subjected to a blind taste test and rated according to the ‘Water Tasting Wheel’. The Wheel outlines some of the attributes water professionals use when assessing water such as colour, clarity, odour and taste.
“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 Joshua McIndoe, Chair, WIOG.
“The competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day.”
In the ultimate showdown, Timaru District Council’s Seadown water supply will also represent New Zealand against Australia’s reigning champion in the IXOM Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test, which will be held in Newcastle, Australia in July. The current title holder for Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water is Isaac Regional Council’s Glenden Scheme water treatment plant in Queensland.
