Geneva, Batavia Earn Award For Tastiest Water In Kane Co.

GENEVA, IL -- Geneva took home top honors in a tie with Batavia for best drinking water during the Kane County Water Association’s annual taste test competition in December, city officials said. Communities competed in the water association’s blind taste test where water was judged on clarity, odor and taste. The nine municipalities who participated in the contest included Aurora, Batavia, Elgin, Geneva, Montgomery, North Aurora, South Elgin, St. Charles and Sugar Grove.

This is the third time Geneva got to claim bragging rights after previously winning the best drinking water award in 2009 and 2010. The countywide win qualifies Geneva to compete in the Illinois State Taste Test held in Springfield in March during the Illinois section of the American Water Works Association Watercon 2019 conference, according to a news release.

“Winning the taste test competition is great recognition for all the hard work and professional pride that the city’s Water Treatment Plant staff takes in providing high-quality drinking water to Geneva customers every day,” said Bob VanGyseghem, the city’s Superintendent of Water & Wastewater.

The city’s Water Treatment Plant was built in 2008. The $24 million investment was made to provide the best municipal treatment technology available, reverse osmosis, where water is passed through a membrane filter at high pressure. The facility produces drinking water at a hardness of five to seven grains, which eliminates the necessity for customers to install water softeners.

To learn more about Geneva’s Water Division operations or to view the City’s water quality report, visit the City’s website.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK