When we think of festivals and fun, we don't usually think "water tasting contests". Well, In Berkeley Springs, they do. What a novel way to promote a spa town. They hold the annual International Water Tasting Competition. Believe it or not, this is a three month long celebration of the healing power of water, the "Winter Festival of the Water", which promotes the largest known water tasting competition in the world. It welcomes over 100 waters from across the country and the globe. 

Municipal waters are thirsty for the honor to receive the award and prestigious title for "best tasting tap water". You will find bottled waters both still, and sparkling will be judged, along with waters in a new category, purified drinking water. At the festival, the public can also be the judge! They get to vote for the People's Choice award for best packaging.

You will find that the judges are encouraged by the Water Master to look, sniff and taste each water under guidelines like those in a wine tasting. A Water Master! This is serious stuff! The waters are rated for each attribute including appearance (it should be clear), aroma (there should be none), taste (it should taste clean), mouth feel (it should feel light), aftertaste (it should leave you thirsty for more). Participants of this fine contest are from all over the world. From Los Angeles, California, to Milan, Italy. There are many countries that participate in this thirst quenching event. So, after a long day of water tasting, relax in o­ne of the many spas Berkeley has to offer. Enjoy! Bottoms up!