In a remarkable achievement, the city of Emporia, Kansas, has once again secured the Gold Medal in the Best Municipal Water category at the 35th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition.
This prestigious event, held from February 20 to 22, 2025, in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, is renowned as the world’s largest and longest-running water tasting competition.
Emporia’s Consistent Excellence in Water Quality
Emporia’s victory in 2025 marks its second Gold Medal at this esteemed event, with previous top finishes including:
- 2013: Gold Medal
- 2017: Silver Medal
- 2023: Bronze Medal
This consistent recognition underscores Emporia’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality drinking water to its residents.
The 2025 Competition Highlights
The 2025 competition featured over 80 entries from four continents, including participants from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Bosnia. In the Municipal Water category, the top honors were awarded as follows:
| Rank | City | State/Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Emporia | Kansas, USA |
| 2nd | Berkeley Springs | West Virginia, USA |
| 3rd | Mission Springs Water District | Desert Hot Springs, California, USA |
| 4th | Southwest Water Authority | Dickinson, North Dakota, USA |
| 5th (Tie) | City of Santa Ana | California, USA |
| 5th (Tie) | Piedmont | West Virginia, USA |
Judging Criteria and Process
The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition evaluates municipal water based on several stringent criteria:
- Clarity: The water should be clear and free from impurities.
- Aroma: High-quality water should have no discernible smell.
- Taste: The flavor should be clean and refreshing.
- Mouthfeel: The texture should feel light and pleasant in the mouth.
- Aftertaste: There should be no lingering unpleasant taste after consumption.
A panel of ten media judges meticulously assessed each entry, ensuring an unbiased and comprehensive evaluation.
Emporia’s Water Treatment Excellence
Emporia’s success is attributed to its state-of-the-art water treatment facilities and dedicated staff. The city’s water is sourced and treated using advanced technology and rigorous quality control measures, ensuring it meets and exceeds health and safety standards.
City Manager Trey Cocking expressed his pride, stating, “Providing the best drinking water possible is a goal we strive to meet, and this award confirms our team’s efforts.”
Historical Achievements in Water Quality
Beyond the Berkeley Springs accolades, Emporia has been recognized multiple times for its exceptional water quality:
- Kansas Rural Water Association: Multiple awards since 2003.
- Kansas Water Environment Association and Kansas Section of the American Water Works Association: Honors received in 2007, 2012, and 2022.
These achievements highlight the city’s long-standing dedication to maintaining superior water standards.
Emporia’s repeated success at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition is a testament to the city’s commitment to excellence in water quality.
Through advanced treatment processes and a dedicated team, Emporia continues to provide its residents with some of the finest drinking water in the world.
This recognition not only brings pride to the community but also sets a benchmark for municipalities globally.