Gympie Regional Council has taken out the 2025 IXOM Water of Origin title for Queensland, with a winning sample from the Cooloola Cove water treatment plant. It edged out New South Wales’ Richmond Valley Council, which entered a sample from the Casino water treatment plant.
State winners of the New South Wales and Queensland Best Tasting Tap Water competitions competed for the annual IXOM Water of Origin title in Cairns this week. The competition, run by the Water Industry Operations Association (WIOA), was judged and the winner announced at the Far North Queensland Interest Day & Water Taste Test event.
The event was originally scheduled for 29 October in Bundaberg but was postponed due to a logistical issue that delayed the arrival of the New South Wales water sample, preventing fair judging from taking place.
As the 2025 IXOM Water of Origin winner, Queensland has bragging rights over New South Wales for the next 12 months. The competition has now been running for 12 years and the current score is eight to four in favour of Queensland.
The annual IXOM Water of Origin competition is a fun and engaging way to celebrate the high quality of drinking water in both Queensland and New South Wales, while acknowledging the dedication of local water service providers in delivering this essential resource to their communities.
Water samples undergo a blind taste test and are evaluated using the Water Tasting Wheel, which highlights key attributes such as colour, clarity, odour and taste – just like a wine tasting, but without the need to spit!
In its search for the best-tasting tap water in each state and nationally, WIOA invites all water suppliers to participate in the competition.
“The competition highlights the dedication of individuals and organisations that work tirelessly – often in challenging conditions – to provide their communities with safe, high-quality drinking water every day,” said Dean Barnett, Chief Executive Officer of WIOA.
“It’s also a great way to shine a spotlight on the vital work happening behind the scenes to safeguard Australia’s water future.”
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au
