PRESS RELEASE

February 24, 2026
Contact: Town of Bath, Office of the Mayor
Phone: (304) 258-1102
Email: media@townofbathwv.gov

Town of Bath Congratulates Winners of the 2026 International Water Tasting

Berkeley Springs, WV — The Town of Bath proudly congratulates the outstanding winners of the 2026 Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, one of the world’s premier competitions
celebrating excellence in drinking water and bottled water quality.

As Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 event, the Town of Bath was honored to support this
internationally recognized competition, which attracts entries and attention from communities
and companies across the United States and around the globe. The event continues to highlight
the importance of water quality, environmental stewardship, and public health.

Mayor Greg Schene and members of Town leadership extend their heartfelt gratitude to Event Producer Jill Klein Rone and offer congratulations to all winners and participants for their commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainability in water resources.

“The International Water Tasting showcases the very best in water quality and the community in general,” said Mayor Greg Schene. “We are proud to be part of an event that elevates Berkeley Springs and the Town of Bath on an international stage while celebrating the vital role water plays in our daily lives.”

In addition to serving as Presenting Sponsor, the Town of Bath actively participated in the
event, including representation in judging and submission in the Municipal Water category. This involvement reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to excellence in public services and infrastructure.

The 2026 competition further reinforced Berkeley Springs’ reputation as a global destination for water appreciation, tourism, and heritage. The Town of Bath remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen the local economy, promote sustainability, and celebrate the region’s
unique natural resources.

The Town congratulates all award recipients and thanks the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and participants who made the 2026 International Water Tasting a resounding success. 

List of Winners

Best Municipal Water – 2026

1^st – Ft. Wayne, IN
2^nd – Metropolitan Water District of Southern CA
3^rd – Eldorado Springs, CO
4^th – Santa Ana, CA
5^th – Lloyd W. Michael Water Treatment Plant, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Best Non-carbonated Water – 2026

1^st – Babinda Springs, Babinda, Queensland, Australia
2^nd – Jano Spring Water, Village Blanchard, NB, Canada
3^rd – Puritas Spring Water, Barkly East, South Africa
4^th – Wilderness Mountain, Bland, VA
5^th –  tie – Grand Springs, Alton, VA and San Graciano Mineral Water, Mariano Comense (Como) Italy

Best Sparkling Water – 2026

1^st – San Graziano Water, Mariano Comense, Italy
2^nd – Adobe Mountain, Adobe Springs, CA
3^rd – Theoni Carbonated Natural Mineral Water, Karditsa, Greece
4^th – tie – Azuga Sparkling Water, Prahova, Romania and Wilderness Mountain Smooth Sparkling, Bland, VA
5^th – Smeraldina Sparkling Artesian Water, Sardinia, Italy

Best Purified Drinking Water – 2026

1^st – Aquae A.M.O.R.E., Costa Mesa, CA
2^nd – Le Sage Natural Water, Lesage, WV
3^rd – Norland Pure Premium Enhanced Water, Lincoln, NE

People’s Choice Package Design – 2026

1^st – PERIDOT Naturally Alkaline Super-Premium Low-Deuterium Ice Age Mineral Water, Pusztazamor, Hungary
2^nd – Cedar Mountain, Tioga County, PA 750ml Frosted
3^rd – Cedar Mountain, Tioga County, PA 375ml Clear
4^th – Wilderness Mountain Water Company, Bland, VA
5^th – Adobe Mountain, Adobe Springs, CA

For more information about the Town of Bath and upcoming initiatives, please visit
www.townofbathwv.gov.

About the Town of Bath
The Town of Bath, located in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, is America’s first spa and a historic community dedicated to preserving its heritage, supporting local businesses, and promoting
sustainable growth through community-centered initiatives.