OCALA, Fla. (May 21, 2024) – The City of Ocala was awarded best tasting drinking water at the 2024 Region XI North Central Florida Best Tasting Drinking Water Competition May 16. The competition was presented by the Florida Section American Water Works Association and took place in Ocala, Florida.

Five judges completed a blind taste test of six water samples from municipalities within the region before awarding the City of Ocala with the best tasting drinking water. Each sample was judged on taste, color, odor, and clarity.

In addition, the City of Ocala won the People’s Choice Award for best tasting drinking water.

In early December, at the Florida Section American Water Works Association Fall Conference in Orlando, the City of Ocala will compete in the “Best of the Best” Tap Water Taste Contest against other regional winners from across the state.

To learn more about the City of Ocala water treatment process or to schedule a free group tour of the Water Treatment Plant, contact the Water Resources Department at wrcoordinator@ocalafl.gov or call 352-351-6772.