A Splash of Excellence: Highlights from the 2026 ‘Olympics of Water’

Every February, water aficionados from around the world turn their attention to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, home of the prestigious Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting — often called the “Olympics of Water.”

The 36th annual competition, held on Saturday, February 21, at The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, did not disappoint, showcasing exceptional waters from five continents and celebrating the craft, care, and purity behind the world’s best-tasting H₂O.

Best Tasting Municipal Water

The headline of this year’s event came from the municipal water category, where the United States swept all three medals. The City of Fort Wayne, Indiana, captured its first-ever Gold Medal, earning high praise for the crisp, balanced flavor produced at the Three Rivers Filtration Plant.

Fort Wayne has been a consistent high performer in the water tasting event, often placing in the top five, but 2026 marked its first-ever Gold Medal at Berkeley Springs.

The Silver Medal went to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California — already a decorated competitor with multiple past golds and silvers. Bronze was awarded to Eldorado Springs, Colorado, a two-time previous gold medalist.

A Global Celebration of Water

Beyond municipal sources, the competition featured over 100 entries across categories including bottled still, sparkling, and purified waters. With participants spanning four continents.

The Gold Medal for Bottled Non-Carbonated Waters went to Babinda Springs, Babinda, Queensland, Australia. The Gold in the Sparkling Water category went to San Graziano Water, Mariano Comense, Italy. Aquae A.M.O.R.E. from Costa Mesa, CA, took the Gold for best Purified Drinking Water.

The Water Tasting Process

Under the guidance of Arthur von Wiesenberger, the judges followed rigorous tasting standards akin to wine evaluations, assessing each water for:

• Appearance: Should be clear (or slightly opaque for glacial waters)

• Aroma: Ideally, odorless

• Taste: Clean and refreshing

• Mouthfeel: Light and smooth

• Aftertaste: Should leave the drinker wanting more

  
  

“The consistency in winners, despite different judging panels each year, underscores the credibility of the competition,” notes esteemed Watermaster Arthur von Wiesenberger. “It also speaks to the exceptional quality of the waters submitted.”

As judges swirled, sniffed, and sipped their way through the lineup, the evening culminated in a festive awards ceremony—complete with the beloved “Water Rush,” where attendees eagerly collect leftover bottles of the world’s finest waters.

The event was produced by Travel Berkeley Springs.

Photos: Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting

:-) Please Like, Comment, and Share -- Thanks!