Rous, which supplies drinking water across Ballina Shire and neighbouring council areas, has beaten water providers from across NSW and the ACT in a blind taste test.

The winning water starts its journey at Rocky Creek Dam in the Nightcap Range, before being treated at the nearby Nightcap Water Treatment Plant and distributed across the region.

Judges assessed samples for colour, clarity, odour and, most importantly, taste.

The 2026 NSW Best Tasting Tap Water competition was held in Newcastle last week as part of the Water Industry Operations Association of Australia’s annual conference. The competition is sponsored by water treatment company IXOM.

It is the second time Rous has claimed the state title.

Rous previously won the NSW and ACT competition in 2023 with water from the Nightcap plant, before going on to beat Queensland in the 2024 Water of Origin competition.

Rous Group Manager Operations Adam Nesbitt said the latest award reflected the work that went into producing drinking water for the region every day.

“This recognition is a credit to our engineers, experts, skilled operators, and everyone at Rous working behind the scenes to ensure our communities receive some of the best-tasting drinking water in the country,” Mr Nesbitt said.

“Our primary water source, Rocky Creek Dam, is situated in the pristine Nightcap Range.”

Rocky Creek Dam

Water from the dam undergoes conventional treatment as well as ozone and activated carbon processes before being distributed through more than 400km of pipelines to four local council areas.

Rous General Manager Phillip Rudd said the award was something the Northern Rivers could be proud of.

“To be recognised again in such a competitive field, alongside our industry peers, is a real honour,” Mr Rudd said.

“We look forward to representing New South Wales on the national stage and showcasing the quality of water produced here in the Northern Rivers.”

Rous will now represent NSW against the other state champions in the National Best Tasting Tap Water competition later this month.