The City of DeKalb Water Division was recently recognized as a finalist as one of the Top  6 best tasting water supplies in North America. The “Best of the Best” Water Taste Test  Competition was held on June 12, 2024, in Anaheim California at the annual ACE24  American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) National Convention. The competition  included water supplies from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. 

DeKalb was awarded a chance to compete at the national water conference after having  won first place at the Illinois Section American Water Works Association (ISAWWA) State  Water Taste Test Competition held in April 2024. Water was judged based on clarity,  taste, and odor. To be eligible to compete in the competition, the water supply must be  in full compliance with all state and federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  drinking water standards and regulations.  

The winner of the Best of the Best Competition was the City of Charlottetown, Prince  Edward Island, Canada. The other Finalist included: 

• New Jersey American Water, Camden, New Jersey  
• Northeast Sammamish Water District, Sammamish, Washington 
• City of DeKalb, DeKalb, Illinois 
• City of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma 
• Lewis and Clark Rural Water System, South Dakota 

DeKalb is honored to have been named as one of the best tasting water supplies in the  country. The award recognizes the importance and commitment that our community  places on maintaining a high-quality public water system. The City appreciates the  continued support of our valued customers, ensuring that DeKalb’s water will always be  recognized as one of the “Best of the Best”.