Winning an award for tap water may not sound glamorous, but it says a lot about a system people rely on every day. Fredericton, New Brunswick, has now earned that distinction, taking the title of North America's best-tasting tap water.
Here's what to know
Taste, aroma, and consistency were the measures used in the American Water Works Association competition highlighted by Toronto Culture. The outlet said Fredericton finished first ahead of 32 other regional winners.
Each day, roughly 5.3 million gallons (20 million liters) pass through Fredericton's water network.
Part of the water's taste comes from the mineral content in groundwater drawn from an aquifer beneath downtown Fredericton. The system relies on 11 wells connected to that source.
To keep the supply within Canadian drinking water guidelines, the city collects samples each week from about 50 sites.
More background
Reliable municipal water can have benefits beyond taste. When residents trust the quality of their tap water, they may be less likely to buy bottled alternatives, saving money while reducing single-use plastic waste.
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Fredericton's water comes from an aquifer. As groundwater passes through natural layers of earth, it can be filtered before reaching treatment and distribution systems.
Weekly testing helps support that resource with consistent oversight.
What's being done?
Water quality can shift across a distribution system. Testing helps officials confirm that the water reaching homes and businesses remains safe and consistent, not just at the source.
Protecting groundwater sources, investing in treatment and delivery systems, and maintaining frequent testing can help produce consistent results.
Where can I learn more?
These stories take a closer look at the challenges surrounding tap water quality, safety, and supply. They cover PFAS concerns in U.S. drinking water, health risks linked to contamination, and California systems turning wastewater into freshwater.
• Across the U.S., new national maps reveal widespread PFAS concerns in household tap water.
• Researchers found the health impact of contaminated U.S. tap water may be severe.
• In Pennsylvania, residents demanded answers after bad chemicals in our water raised alarm.
• In California, a treatment plant shows treated sewage can become freshwater again.
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