The tap water in Minneapolis has been crowned the best-tasting in Minnesota, marking another win for the city known for its pristine and tasty water. The accolade, dubbed "Best in Glass" by the American Water Works Association's Minnesota Chapter, was awarded during a blind taste test at their annual conference in Duluth. According to an official release from the City of Minneapolis, the competition saw Minneapolis outshine 14 other entries from across the state to clinch the title.
With about 117 conference attendees participating as judges in the taste test, Minneapolis emerged on top, preceded by St. Cloud and Shoreview who also made it to the fan-favorites, joining Chaska, the winner of the 2025 Minnesota State Fair Tap Water Taste Test, "Clean, safe, affordable, and delicious drinking water doesn't happen by accident," Minneapolis Public Works Director Tim Sexton stated, highlighting the dedication of the city's water team in a statement released by the City of Minneapolis publication. The Minneapolis water will now compete in the international arena at the AWWA "Best in Glass" drinking water competition in Washington, DC, in June 2026.
It's no small feat that the water from the Mississippi River, once treated through the City's softening process to remove hardness minerals and organic material and then filtered via granular activated carbon or ultrafiltration membranes, stands out in taste and quality. The city ensures that water quality is maintained by conducting 500 tests daily, as indicated by the City's information.
Mayor Jacob Frey expressed his pride in a statement released by the City of Minneapolis website, "Winning 'Best in Glass' proves what we've known all along: our city delivers some of the cleanest, best-tasting water in Minnesota. Cheers to our City team for making sure every drop is award-worthy." In an era where bottled water is a common convenience, Minneapolis officials highlight the environmental and cost benefits of opting for tap, with the city boasting that the cost of one bottle of water could fill 10 bathtubs with its tap water. The underlying message is clear: the city is not only providing its residents and businesses with exceptional water but also promoting sustainability.
As water resources hold significant value to Minnesotans, the pride doesn't just rest on taste alone but also on a commitment to quality and safety. "Water resources matter to all Minnesotans and the drinking water professionals in our state work with passion and dedication to deliver safe and high-quality drinking water to all the people we serve," Annika Bankston, Director of Water Treatment and Distribution Services, conveyed as told by the City of Saint Paul's release. The honor of being chosen by peers as the state's best underscores the professional community's recognition of Minneapolis's exceptional water standards. Serving daily to residents and businesses across Minneapolis and its surrounding areas, including Bloomington and the U of M, Minneapolis upholds its stature through stringent practices and a clear dedication to excellence.
