Ames Wins Best-Tasting Water in Iowa at State Conference
The City of Ames Water and Pollution Control Department won the award for “Best Tasting Water in Iowa” at the Iowa Section – American Water Works Association annual conference. The conference brought together water utility operators and managers from across the state.
The win marks the fifth time since 2000 that Ames water has taken the state’s top honor. Alongside the judges’ top prize, the department also secured the People’s Choice Award at the annual gathering held in Coralville, Iowa.
Inside the Judging Panel
The formal competition relies on a structured sensory evaluation. A panel of judges scores water samples across several distinct categories, including taste, clarity, aroma, and after-taste.
John Dunn, director of Ames Water and Pollution Control, described the evaluation process as resembling a wine-tasting competition. Judges sample each cup of water and cleanse their palates with saltine crackers between samples to ensure accuracy.
“For whatever reason, the tap water is a part of the fabric of the community; it’s something that the community identifies with, so whatever we do, we can’t mess up the taste of the water,” Dunn said.
Maintaining that standard requires constant oversight. Operators work around the clock, 365 days a year, conducting roughly 200 tests per day on the water before it leaves the facility.
Ames Facility Receives Water Quality Awards and Staff Recognition
The Ames Water Treatment Plant, located at 1800 E. 13th St., opened in 2017. Operating as a conventional lime-softening facility, the plant has a maximum daily capacity of 15 million gallons. It serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers throughout the city, including Iowa State University, connecting more than 20,000 properties.
The utility is funded solely through utility rates rather than government tax revenue. In addition to the water quality awards, individual staff members received recognition at the conference. Emily Engle, Water Plant Operator, received the Harris Seidel Meritorious Operator Award. Reagan Stotser, Water Pollution Control Facility Student Operator, received the Student of the Year award.
Looking Ahead to the National Competition
With the state title secured, Ames will advance to the national competition. The event is scheduled to take place next June in Denver, Colo. In 2024, Ames also won Iowa’s “People’s Choice” award and went on to compete in the “Best of the Best” competition against winners from across North America where it scored a three-way tie for first place.
