BANGOR — The Best Tasting Water in Maine will be determined at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 in the Cross Insurance Center Ballroom.
Dozens of community water systems around the state will be competing for the title of Maine’s Best Tasting Water. The two categories that will be judged are water with a disinfectant, such as chlorine, and water without a disinfectant.
There will be a final round pitting the two categories against each other with the winner awarded the honor of having Maine’s Best Tasting Water. The winner will represent the State of Maine in the National Taste Test in Washington DC in February 2026.
Judges enclude:
- Amy Lachance, director, Maine Drinking Water Program
- Nick Rico, Wells Sanitary District, president, Maine Rural Water Association
- Rebecca Labranche, A&L Laboratory- A Division of Granite State Analytical
Maine Mobile Homes, Friendly Village from Gorham, currently holds the 2025 bragging rights and title to Maine’s Best Tasting Water.
Other event highlights:
Maine Rural Water Association’s annual conference is the industry’s premier source for water and wastewater professionals to gather for professional and community development.
“We’re thrilled to bring together water and wastewater professionals from across the State for the 45th Annual Conference & Trade Show. With an agenda packed full of expert-led sessions — from PFAS treatment, SCADA for small systems, to emerging challenges like cyber-security and opioid exposure in utilities — this conference represents the best opportunity all year to connect, learn, and bring real improvements to Maine’s infrastructure.” said Kirsten Hebert, executive director for the Maine Rural Water Association. “The MRWA Conference blends robust training, a dynamic trade show, and peer networking, and is shaping up to be one of the most valuable and impactful gatherings our industry has seen.”
