For the second year in a row, the Chilton County Water Authority (CWA) took home the title for “Best Tasting Water” in the state.

In March, utilities from throughout Alabama submitted samples of water for the 10th Annual Water Taste Test competition conducted by the Alabama Rural Water Association. Those who entered had to meet the preliminary qualifications of having no chemical or monitoring violations. The water was judged on taste, clarity and aroma.

CWA qualified in the top six after the preliminary judging along with Leeds Water Works Board, Lowndes County Water Authority, Mobile County Water, Sewer and EPA, Town of Lowndesboro Water Works System and West Etowah County Water Authority.

CWA serves more than 8,700 active customers from seven wells and 10 storage tanks that distribute water throughout 900 miles of main line pipe. The system is capable of pumping about 7.5 million gallons per day.

The judges of the competition were Jason Wilson and Whit Slagle with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and Steve Feaga with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

During the Rural Water Country Luncheon, CWA was announced as the state winners after additional testing to break a tie.

By winning the state taste test, a representative from CWA will receive a round trip airline ticket to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Drinking Water Taste Test in February 2012.