Water from the Three Springs Water Treatment Plant in McGaheysville, Va., was ranked Top 5 in the nation at the recent Great American Water Taste Test in Washington, D.C.

The contest was managed by the National Rural Water Association as part of its yearly Rural Water Rally. Participants had to win both state and national competitions to be represented at the final judging panel.

Clarity, bouquet and taste were the selection criteria, with judges focusing on water samples that had no taste, no smell and perfect clarity.

The Three Springs Water Treatment Plant is located in Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley. The water quality is naturally pure as plant manager Luke Hornick stated, “We add fluorine and chlorine, but the water is of such purity that nothing else is needed.”

High water quality is important not just for individual consumption, but it also drives business decisions. Food processing and brewing companies require large amounts of high quality water, making Virginia a preferred location for those industries.

According to Rockingham County director of Community Development William Vaughn, “It’s one of the primary reasons that Coors — now MillerCoors — established East Coast operations here 25 years ago.”

Concerns over water quality and availability are receiving increased attention across the globe, making Virginia’s infrastructure resources a valuable asset for companies located in the Commonwealth. To learn more about Virginia’s world-class capabilities serving the food and beverage industry click here.

A view of Virginia's Shenandoah River