Find out who has the best testing water in Iowa

Oct 30, 2024

Long-rumored for having some of the most delicious tap water around, Ames' claim to fame has yet again been backed by a team of experts.

The city was recently voted to have the "Best Tasting Water" in Iowa by an organization of water professionals.

The annual American Water Works Association (AWWA) conference was held in Coralville, and Ames won two awards for its refreshing tap water.

The Ames Water and Pollution Control Department team accepted the “People’s Choice Award” as well as the "Best Tasting" tap water in the state.

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In the category for best-tasting water, a five-person panel scores water samples on taste, clarity, aroma, and aftertaste. The “People’s Choice” is a new competition in which all conference attendees vote for their favorite water.

Ames Water and Pollution Control Director John Dunn believes that the city's water was "entirely deserving of the attention," despite the "pleasant surprise."

“Adding the second award this year was likely a way to celebrate two communities for great-tasting water, so coming home with both awards was surprising and humbling,” Dunn said. “Ames residents have embraced and celebrated our great water for decades, and we feel tremendous pride in producing such a valued commodity.”

Since 2000, Ames has won the "best water in Iowa" competition five times - in 2001, 2007, 2017, 2018 and 2024.

Ames advances to the American Water Works Association's national competition next June in Denver, Colorado.

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Founded in 1881, AWWA is the largest organization of water supply professionals in the world. For almost 150 years, the association has offered water education and advocated for safe and sustainable water.

The association's membership includes more than 4,300 utilities that supply about 80% of North America’s drinking water and treat almost half of the continent's wastewater. Members include water and wastewater systems, environmental advocates, scientists, academicians, and others who are genuinely interested in water as a resource.

The Iowa Section – American Water Works Association is the largest association of water industryprofessionals in Iowa. It is comprised of more than 700 water utility operators, managers, and othersfrom nearly every water utility in the state.

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at [email protected].