Qualicum Beach tap water wins top honours in B.C. and Yukon Taste Test, outperforming larger cities with its award-winning aquifer-sourced water.
In a competition where clarity, flavour, and freshness flow freely, the Town of Qualicum Beach has officially claimed the title of “Best of the Best” tap water in British Columbia and Yukon.
Small Town, Big Win in Provincial Taste Test
Hosted by the BC Water & Waste Association, the annual Tap Water Taste Test took place in Victoria this April, bringing together water providers from across the region to compete in a head-to-head challenge for the best-tasting tap water. The goal? Raising awareness of the essential role water systems play in public health and environmental sustainability.
Tapped from Home—And Topping the Charts
The winning sample wasn’t drawn from a lab or treatment plant—it came straight from a regular household faucet in Qualicum Beach. Submitted by operations manager Chris Stanger, the sample was judged by a panel of experts on appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, aftertaste, and overall impression. All entries adhered to provincial drinking water standards.
Outperforming the Big Cities
While confident in the town’s water quality, Stanger admitted he was caught off guard when Qualicum Beach not only won in its Small Water System category but also claimed the highest overall score—beating out municipalities with more than 100,000 residents and complex infrastructure. Other category winners included the Capital Regional District (Large Water System) and the District of Hope (Medium Water System).
Local Aquifers Deliver Excellence
Mayor Teunis Westbroek praised the recognition, stating, “This award is a testament to the exceptional quality of our local aquifers and the expertise of our operations team who manage them. It confirms what residents already know — Qualicum Beach really does have some of the best water around.”
Sourced from Nature, Delivered with Care
Qualicum Beach’s water supply is drawn from two aquifers: the River wellfield and the Berwick wellfield. The River wellfield—its primary source—is a high-output aquifer located near the Little Qualicum River delta, offering sustainable, minimal-treatment water. The Berwick wellfield supplements demand in the summer months, while being rested during winter.
An official award presentation was made to Stanger during the May 14 council meeting.
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