Top drop puts Mackay on the map
Date: 13-Feb-2020
Water samples from Mackay Regional Council this week departed on an important mission to represent Australia at the 30th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition to be held on Saturday, 22 February 2020.
Council’s water treatment manager Stuart Boyd will travel with the samples to fly the flag for Mackay as it competes with more than 100 waters from around the globe.
The winning water from council’s Marian Water Treatment Plant was crowned Australia’s best at the 3 peaks Festival in Dunkeld, Victoria last year where festival goers participated in a blind taste test of seven entries from across the country.
In a Daily Mercury article, Mayor Greg Williamson said it was exciting to be a part of prestigious competition.
“Being named the best tasting water is testament to council’s entire water services team, and the opportunity to showcase our beautiful water on this international stage is fantastic,” he said.
“We know it’s the best, and we’re confident it will stand out against the best waters from around the world.”
Cr Williamson said the source of Mackay’s water was key to its amazing taste.
The water comes from the headwaters of the Pioneer River which originates in the tropical rainforests of the Eungella National Park and the Crediton State Forest. It is treated at the Marian Water Treatment Plant which provides water to more than 6,000 Marian and Mirani residents.
Mackay has taken the honours on a number of occasions over the past two years, winning the qldwater Best of the Best Queensland Water Taste Test in 2018 and 2019, as well as the Water of Origin competition held at the Water Industry Operators Association (WIOA) Queensland Conference.
As the reigning Australian champions, Mackay will host the 2020 national event at the Global Grooves festival at Queens Park on 24 October where the winners from each state will compete for the coveted title and the hope of international recognition..
Image: Mackay Regional Council water treatment manager Stuart Boyd (wearing maroon) with other participants in the Best Tap Water in Australia competition last year.