Water tasting: The search for the best tap water in B.C.

The search is on for the best tasting tap water in B.C. and the Yukon.

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The 'Best of the Best' tap water competition isbeing held at the annualBC Water and Waste conferencein Whistler, B.C. on May 3.

Like wine tasting

The competition is like wine tasting in many ways. There is a panel of judgescalled 'aqualiers' and like sommeliers, they will be judging water samples based on their appearance, aroma, taste, feel and aftertaste.

They will also be clearing their palateswith crackers in between tastings.

Unlike wine though, water has very little flavour which makes it more challenging for the judges.

"We have to put all our senses to work and assess very minor differences," saidColwyn Sunderland, a judge andpresident of the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association.

Minerals make all the difference

According to Sunderland, the differencein taste mainly comesfrom the amount of minerals found in the water.

"Well water has more minerals in it than serviced water," he said.

"It is often water from wells that hasthe most interesting flavour and nuance. They are the most successful in these contests," he said.

Last year the Cityof Chilliwackwon the title of best tap water.

The competition does havea serious side the intention istohighlighthow fortunate Canadians are to have safe and clean drinking water that is easily accessible.

With files from the CBC's The Early Edition andChristine Coulter.