Briarcliff Water Takes 2nd at Westchester Drinking Contest

The top tap water in Westchester is Mount Vernon, according to residents who participated in the Westchester County Department of Health’s annual water taste test today in White Plains.

105 residents sampled water from 9 of the county’s water suppliers in a blind taste test in recognition of National Drinking Water Week. This friendly competition also promotes the excellent quality of Westchester tap water and highlights the role of the county health department in assuring drinking water quality.

Mount Vernon, labeled D in the blind taste test, received 28 votes. The runner-up was the Village of Briarcliff Manor, labeled A, with 14 votes. Three water departments tied for third place with 13 votes, they were: Bedford Consolidated Water District, labeled I, Cortlandt Consolidated Water District, labeled B and Greenburgh Consolidated Water District #1, labeled C.

“We’re all winners, because Westchester’s drinking water tastes great and is good for you,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “It’s also reassuring to know we have professionals working behind the scenes to maintain and assure the high quality of our drinking water.”

The winner will advance to a regional competition this summer, and the regional winners will ultimately compete for statewide bragging rights at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse on Sept. 1.

The experts say a good glass of water should be clean, crisp, clear and cool. The county’s health department samples the waters routinely to ensure all quality standards are met.

The 9 participating water supplier’s in this year’s competition were Bedford Consolidated Water District; Village of Briarcliff Manor; Cortlandt Consolidated Water District; Village of Elmsford; Greenburgh Consolidated Water District #1; City of Mount Vernon; United Water Westchester Rate District #1;City of White Plains; and City of Yonkers.

PHOTO: Briarcliff took 2nd place/WCHD