The Kansas Rural Water Association (KRWA) recently voted the City of El Dorado “Best Tasting Water In Kansas – 2025” at their annual conference in Wichita.
The contest presents judges with samples of water from competing utilities. Glasses of the unlabeled water samples are served at room temperature for the most accurate comparison, since ice or chilled temperatures can alter flavor perceptions. Judges are instructed to “sniff, sip, slurp, swish, and swallow,” which gives them a broad sense of each sample’s flavor properties, aroma, and mouth feel. The samples are then rated based on these aesthetic preferences.
Following the win, the City of El Dorado is now eligible to represent Kansas at the Great American Water Taste Test at the National Rural Water Association’s (NRWA) Rural Water Rally conference in February 2026.
The City of El Dorado previously won the “Best Tasting Water In Kansas” award in 1986, and was declared the American Water Works Association – Kansas Section’s (KsAWWA) “Best Tasting Water In Kansas” contest in 2016. The accolades affirm the city’s continued investment into its infrastructure and operations, which helps ensure that our customers are receiving some of the best water available, anywhere.
“El Dorado lake is an invaluable source water capturing runoff from the flint hills,” said Director of Public Utilities Jason Patty. “Our talented and dedicated staff are committed to setting the standard high for excellence which translates into a consistent and desirable drinking water.”