British Columbia’s world-class drinking water took centre stage at BC Water and Waste Association’s (BCWWA) 54th annual Conference & Trade Show during its annual “Best of the Best” BC & Yukon Tap Water Taste Test.

Reflecting this year’s theme, ‘Where Waters Meet,’ 11 water purveyors joined in friendly competition to determine which community is delivering the best-tasting tap water.

BCWWA is pleased to announce the 2026 winners in each category: 

• City of Burnaby (Large Water System) – presented to Dave Lundberg, Richard Lopez and Luka Bresan
• District of Sparwood (Medium Water System) – presented to William Mortimer and Ethan Pauli
• Phantom Creek Estates (Small Water System) – presented to Scott Simpson and Arvid Bensler

This marks a first-time win for the City of Burnaby, the third largest municipality in Metro Vancouver, and for the District of Sparwood, a small community of over 4,000 residents in East Kootenay.

Phantom Creek Estates, a winery in the Okanagan Valley, captured the Small System title once again after previously winning in 2023. Entries were evaluated across three system-size categories to recognize the diversity of water treatment approaches serving communities of all scales.

BCWWA extends its appreciation to all participating communities this year: City of Kelowna, Capital Regional District, City of Burnaby, City of Penticton, City of Rossland, District of Sparwood, District of Sicamous, District of Squamish, Hedley Improvement District, Village of McBride and Phantom Creek Estates.

This year’s panel of judges, known as “aqualiers,” included American Water Works Association (AWWA) Treasurer Reid Campbell, Water Environment Federation (WEF) President-Elect Paul Schuler, Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Executive Director Robert Haller and Trade Commissioner Lauren Hurst.

Judges conducted a blind taste test based on appearance, aroma, taste, mouth feel, aftertaste, and overall impression.

“These events are fun and really highlight the very high quality of water we have in BC and the level of professional expertise needed to produce this water by our professional operators,” said Schuler. “I enjoy partaking in the taste test and bringing attention to our industry that protects public health and the environment.”

For over 10 years of competition, BCWWA’s “Best of the Best” Tap Water Taste Test has brought BC and Yukon water operators together in the spirit of friendly competition to see who has the best-tasting water directly from the tap of an end user.

“It’s a pleasure to host this event and celebrate the exceptional quality of water showcased by both new and returning communities year after year,” said Sarah Pratt, communications manager at the BCWWA.

“This consistency speaks volumes about the expertise and dedication of water operators, whose skill ensures the delivery of clean, safe and great-tasting water every day — an achievement that truly deserves recognition.”

The competition helps raise awareness of the importance of our water systems and shines a light on the critical work water operators do to protect public health and the environment.

Lead image: The District of Sparwood was recently awarded the “Best of the Best” in the BC & Yukon Tap Water Taste Test for medium water systems during the annual BC Water and Waste Association Conference and Trade Show. District of Sparwood Utilities Operator Ethan Pauli and Utilities Supervisor William Mortimer were pleased to accept this award on behalf of the district. District of Sparwood photo

BC Water and Waste Association

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