ST. GEORGE —Which city in the state has the best tasting water? That was the question posed during the recent Rural Water Association of Utah convention in St. George.
"You just gotta go with multiple tastes, try to get it figured out, which ones you like best,” said Perry Thomson from the Governor’s Office of Energy Development.
It's part of the regular routine at the convention for the Rural Water Association of Utah to determine who can boast the best water in the Beehive State. More than 30 areas submitted an entry and that number was trimmed down to three.
"When you think about it, it's pretty cutthroat competition, going from 37 to come out on top, No. 1,” said Paul Fulgham, the president of the Rural Water Association of Utah.
Determining Utah's best-tasting water can be a tall task. The judges say the three finalists all taste quite similar, so it all comes down to things like smell and clarity.
"You almost could have thrown a dice and chosen one, they were all really close,” said Teleen Hartvigsen, a water-tasting judge.
This year, the coveted distinction for the most likable liquid went to West Bountiful.
"We have great water and we're welcomed to put our water up against anyone,” said Blake Anderson, the water master of West Bountiful.
Last year’s water sample came from Francis Town and placed fourth in the nation Feb. 11. Utah also boasts a national first-place winner when Beaver took home the prize in 2006.
The Rural Water Association of Utah meets in St. George every year to discuss advancements in water treatment and systems. Officials say that's key to keeping quality up and costs down.
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