Here’s cheers! Bendigo crystal clear winners with the best tap water in the state
Coliban Water is raising a glass of tap water after being crowned the winner of Best Tasting Tap Water in Victoria at the prestigious IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water Competition, held at the Water Industry Operations Association (WIOA) Conference in Bendigo today.
While designed to be a fun competition, the awards are widely respected within the water industry, recognising the skill, passion and dedication of water professionals who deliver safe, high quality drinking water to communities year-round.
Judging of the award followed a process similar to wine tasting, including palette cleansing between samples. An independent panel of judges assessed each sample based on colour, clarity, odour and taste, before declaring Coliban Water the overall winner ahead of finalists Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and Barwon Water.
The winning water sample was taken from the Bendigo Water Treatment Plant, which is operated by Coliban Water’s strategic partner, Veolia. Bendigo’s drinking water is currently sourced from Lake Eppalock, before undergoing a comprehensive treatment process to ensure it meets strict water quality and safety standards prior to delivery to customers.
General Manager Operations, Julian Bull, was pleased to accept the award on behalf of the organisation.
“We’re confident in the quality of the water we supply, and our teams take great pride in delivering safe, great-tasting drinking water to our customers,” Mr Bull said.
“This award is a credit to our operational teams, our strategic partner Veolia, and the many passionate staff who work tirelessly every day of the year to deliver this service to our community.”
Mr Bull added that Bendigo’s award-winning water pairs perfectly with the region’s renowned food scene.
“Bendigo is well known as Australia’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and now visitors and locals alike can wash it all down with a glass of locally sourced, award-winning tap water,” he said.
As the Victorian winner, Bendigo’s water will now progress to the national competition, where it will compete against state and territory winners from across Australia for the ultimate title of Australia’s Best Tasting Tap Water. The national competition will be held later this year.
Mr Bull said the award reinforces Coliban Water’s ongoing commitment to water quality, operational excellence and the delivery of essential services that underpin public health and community wellbeing.
“I’ll certainly raise a glass to that,” he said.
Last updated on 26 Mar 2026