OAK CREEK WATER AGAIN WINS INTERNATIONAL TASTE
COMPETITION
OAK CREEK—March 6, 2006—The Oak Creek Water Utility’s commercially bottled, purified water again received international distinction by winning a gold medal at the largest water tasting competition in the world. The 16th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Contest marks a return to glory for the municipal bottled water packaged under the name Claire Baie. The first gold medal came five years ago in what was then its first contest entry.
“We all take great pride in producing great tasting, clean
water,” said Steve Yttri, Oak Creek Water Utility general manager. “
Claire Baie defeated silver medalist Clear Springs
Natural,
Claire Baie, translated from its French language origin,
means “clear creek.” The Oak Creek Water Utility has received six Director’s
Awards for water quality from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as
part of its Partnership for Safe Water. It is the only
The Partnership for Safe Water is a cooperative effort of six organizations including the EPA and American Water Works Association. Partnership representatives audit a utility’s processing capabilities, management and operations. Audit results then are compared to extremely strict standards from which an assessment is prepared and criteria developed for the utility to maintain prior to receiving Phase III status.
“Claire Baie now holds the distinction of receiving awards for water quality, and now two international gold medals for water taste,” Yttri said. “The investments we make in providing the cleanest, safest drinking water possible clearly impacts taste and quality.”
The