Kelowna to Defend Its Title for "Best of the Best" Tap Water in British Columbia

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 28, 2015) - Today, Kelowna goes head-to-head with more than 10 communities to defend on home turf its title for the best tap water in BC. Kelowna made a splash last year when its tap water was crowned the provincial champion in the BC Water and Waste Association's inaugural "Best of the Best" Tap Water Challenge. A panel of selected "aqualiers" will judge tap water from around BC and the Yukon based on appearance, aroma, taste, mouth feel, aftertaste, and overall impression in the second annual event. The taste test is being held at the BCWWA's annual conference, the largest peer-to-peer style conference for the water industry in Western Canada. The conference examines how communities can conserve and protect water resources, and build respect for our water and wastewater systems' role in safeguarding public health, the environment, and quality of life.

"British Columbia has knowledgeable and passionate water professionals who ensure we have access to safe, secure and sustainable water and wastewater systems," says Tanja McQueen, CEO of the 4,700-member BCWWA. "We all need to remember that there is no substitute for the water we use daily. We cannot take it for granted. The Tap Water Taste Test is a way to celebrate our water systems and remind everyone that investment in these essential systems is an investment in our health, a clean environment, and our economic prosperity."

91 per cent of B.C. residents source their water from municipal distribution systems. Many communities that have entered to compete are returning for a second year to prove their water is the best. Entrants include: City of Kamloops, City of Nelson, City of Kelowna, Rutland Waterworks District, City of Penticton, Greater Vernon Water - Regional District of North Okanagan, City of Chilliwack, Village of Harrison Hot Springs, Village of Radium Hot Springs, District of Squamish and Clearbrook Waterworks District.

A panel of water professionals and a local sommelier will taste and judge drinking water samples from around BC and the Yukon to pick the best tap water in Western Canada. This year's judges lending their expertise to the challenge include:

• Paul Bowen, Director of Sustainable Operations of Coca Cola & Incoming President of the Water Environment Federation
• Gene Koontz, Senior Vice President with Gannett Fleming & Incoming President of the American Water Works Association
• Mark Filatow, Executive Chef, Sommelier and Partner of Waterfront Wines and Details Catering
• Robert Haller, Executive Director of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association.

Added McQueen: "Little things we do every day to preserve, protect, support and inspire people about water use and water systems make a tremendous difference - everyone is encouraged to think about what water means to them."

More information about how British Columbians can take action for water and water systems, including the chance to enter to win $2,500 in the "What's Water Worth to You?" contest can be found at www.valueofwater.ca.

About BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA):

The BCWWA is a professional association that represents the people who work every day to keep your water clean and safe - from the source to your tap and back to the source. More information, including a full conference schedule, can be found at www.bcwwa.org.