(Chelsea Update would like to thank David Stinson of the American Water Works Association for the information in this story.)
Chelsea can add another big trophy to its case – this time for the best tasting drinking water in Michigan.
In fact, according to Ray Schmidt, water/wastewater superintendent in the city, this is Chelsea’s third award.
“We have one for 2009 and 2010,” he said in an email.
The city’s water was judged against 28 community water suppliers for its taste, odor and clarity and was chosen the winner by judges from the American Water Works Association, a national organization of water professionals headquartered in Denver, Colo., with chapters in every state.
“We were very pleased to have the thoughtful planning and hard work of Chelsea’s Public Works Department, particularly our Water Department recognized with this award,” said Chelsea Mayor Jason Lindauer.
“Corey and Craig are typical of the caliber and passion exemplified by all our city employees and it is their dedication that helps to make life in Chelsea unique and special,” he said.
The water samples were judged at room temperature for taste, odor and clarity and brought in clean, clear, glass quart canning jars for the competition.
There were four regional water taste-offs in April one in Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Gaylord and Mt. Pleasant and at each three judges, who were not affiliated with the entrants, were selected to judge the water samples for taste, odor, and clarity.
The four regional winners competed in the AWWA Michigan sectional taste-off in September at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids where Chelsea’s water reigned supreme.
The AWWA will be sending a representative from Chelsea to the National AWWA Conference in Boston, Mass. next fall to compete against the other states for the Best National Tasting Water.
Chelsea Update sends a big congratulations to the members of the Chelsea Water Department.
Too bad the prize doesn’t come with a large check to reduce our rates. 😀
What a joke. Lived most of my adult life in Chelsea and they have some of the nastiest water I have ever tasted. Plus it is so hard, everyone needs a water softener. Give me my good well water I have now.
Perhaps you haven’t tasted the water recently, Judy. The city uses a reverse osmosis system so residents should not need to use a water softener. In addition, the water department guys work very hard in all kinds of weather to make sure city residents have water. I, personally, think this honor is something outstanding that recognizes their hard work. And I hope that they win the best tasting water competition when they compete in Boston.
I wonder where Chelsea falls in cost ratio for its residents? I have always had a water softener, without it the water is as hard as a stone .. And how much waste do we get out of say every ten gallons ..Tell the truth, Mr. Mayor …….