Timaru District Council has officially claimed the title of New Zealand’s best-tasting tap water for 2025! After a tough competition in the IXOM National Water Taste Test, Timaru’s Seadown water supply stood out among finalists from Waimakariri, Rotorua Lakes, Waipa, and Taupō.
Judged by water professionals through a blind taste test, samples were evaluated using the Water Tasting Wheel—assessing colour, clarity, odour, and overall taste. The victory highlights not only the quality of Timaru's water, but also the hard work and dedication behind the scenes to deliver clean, safe drinking water to the public.
This marks a return to the top for Timaru, which last held the title in 2019. Now, the Seadown supply will go on to represent New Zealand in the IXOM Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test in Newcastle, Australia this July, taking on Australia’s current champion, Isaac Regional Council's Glenden Scheme from Queensland.