USCM announces City Water Taste Test finalists
The Washington-based U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has announced the five finalists for the title of “Best Tasting City Water in America.” Anaheim, Calif.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Long Beach, Calif.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Toledo, Ohio, were selected from 93 candidates, and the winner will be announced during USCM’s 75th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles this month.
A panel of judges conducted a blind test of each city’s tap water for taste, clarity and aroma. The winner will receive $15,000, but the contest is about more than money and bragging rights, says USCM Executive Director Tom Cochran. It highlights the need to prepare for stress that population growth, climate change and potential shortages will place on the nation’s water infrastructure. “While we reward the efforts by cities, this water taste event is also a call for the federal government to partner with us to help cities improve deteriorating infrastructures,” Cochran says.
The judges were Tommy Jacomo, proprietor of The Palm restaurant in Washington; Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator Ben Grumbles; and Washington Post environment reporter Juliet Eilperin. Arvada, Colo.; Beverly Hills, Calif.; Dubuque, Iowa; Greenbay, Wis.; Lansing, Mich.; Northbrook, Ill.; Philadelphia; San Jose, Calif.; Sugarland, Texas; and Tallahassee, Fla., received honorable mentions.