Cedar Rapids has Best-Tasting Water in Iowa - Again!

Every year the Iowa Section of the American Water Works Association holds a blind taste-test competition to determine which Iowa community provides the best-tasting drinking water. Entries are judged on appearance, odor, taste and after-taste by a panel of local media personalities. This year’s panel selected Cedar Rapids’ drinking water as Iowa’s Best-Tasting Drinking Water 2023 — for the second year in a row!

The “Best of the Best Tap Water Taste Test” is a fun part of the American Water Works Association — Iowa section’s annual conference. This year’s conference was held in Des Moines from October 18–20. Cedar Rapids won the award for the first time in 2010, and again in 2012 and 2022.

“A lot goes into that great taste,” said Utilities Director Roy Hesemann. “For 135 years, the Cedar Rapids Water division has been working around the clock to provide clean, safe, and great-tasting drinking water to our residents and customers.”

“Cedar Rapids’ high-quality drinking water is an investment in our community,” said Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “More than just a refreshing drink, our water is a source of pride, driving economic growth and ensuring our community’s health.”

The Iowa Section of the American Water Works Association is comprised of drinking water professionals and water quality advocates dedicated to the promotion of quality drinking water for the citizens of Iowa for more than 100 years. Their annual conference gathers workers across the water sector for training and educational sessions, networking, and awards.