Plainview water tapped best in downstate

The 32,000 customers of the Plainview Water District are drinking the best-tasting water in downstate New York, according to judges at a competition held last week at the Museum of Natural History in New York City.

The water is “very crisp, and clean, and refreshing,” said Andy Bader, chairman of the district’s board of commissioners. “People just seem to like the taste.”

Plainview’s water comes from the Magothy Aquifer — a geologic formation of water-permeated sand set with silt and clay. Bader said that the district pumps it from the ground, then adds touches of chlorine and lime before aerating it.

Bader attributed Plainview’s success to recent water system upgrades, including a new membrane for its elevated tank.

Just to get to the city competition, Plainview first had to win a taste test this spring at the Long Island Water Conference, where the district beat all other competitors from Nassau County and was awarded a 4-foot trophy, topped by a golden chalice.

“We’re allowed to display it, almost like the Stanley Cup,” Bader said, adding that he and his staff refrained from drinking Plainview water from the trophy because they didn’t want it to rust.

At the Museum of Natural History, Plainview took on the best samples from Suffolk County, Westchester County and New York City, coming away with a win that Bader likened to a hydrologic reprise of David’s victory over Goliath.

Plainview will next compete against several other regional winners Aug. 30 in the New York State Finals, held in Syracuse.