In a blind test for clarity, taste and odor, fresh water drawn from the Iao aquifer in Central Maui brought Maui County the win for “Best Tasting Water in Hawaii.”

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply entered the Iao water sample that was judged against competitors during a Hawaii Rural Water Association Training and Technical Conference held May 25 in Kona.

“Congratulations to the Department of Water Supply for this much-deserved award,” said Mayor Michael Victorino. “This award recognizes what Maui residents already know: Maui tap water tastes delicious, and it doesn’t require a plastic bottle that must be disposed of later.”

Dept. of Water Supply Director Helene Kau added, “It takes hard work, planning and know-how to routinely deliver this precious resource to our residents. I thank our staff for all they do to supply clean, safe water to customers on 37,000 service accounts on Maui and Molokai.”

The next step is a nationwide competition against water from other states during the National Rural Water Association Rally in Feb. 2023. Maui Dept. of Water Supply personnel will receive a free round-trip ticket and accommodations in Washington, D.C.