KENT, Ohio-Forget the pop and lemonade, the City of Kent has one drink that everyone loves: water.
“I think it tastes great,” said Kent State student Justin Martin. “I don’t have complaints with the water at all.”
For years, the city has built a reputation for having the tastiest tap water-not in the country, but the world.
Recently, the city was recognized ranked as the fifth place city with tap water in the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Awards.
The water is judged by its appearance, odor, flavor, mouthfeel and aftertaste.
“The secret is consistency. Putting out the same water all the time,” said Steve Hardesty, Kent water plant manager. “The City of Kent’s been on a well supply since 1898. I think we’ve figured it out.”
The city’s been participating in the contest since 1995, which is also when it nabbed a first-place win.
“It’s great,” said resident Jim White. “You don’t have to worry so much about the pollutants in your water.”
A team of 10 H2O experts work to maintain that fine taste residents love.
“I think the water’s so good here because there are so many people that care about the environment,” said Amanda Kiss, a resident and Kent State student. “We don’t buy Brita. We just keep a jug of water cold in our fridge.”
Resident Angel Anderson says the water is unlike anything shes tasted before.
“I never liked the water in Akron at all. I had to have a bottle of water if I wanted water,” she said. “But here, I don’t mind drinking it at all. Just put some ice in it and go.”