Its the top...its the mona lisa...its the top...

St. Louis water is tops, according to nation's mayors

By Jake Wagman

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

06/26/2007

 

Time to raise a glass to St. Louis water — it's been named the best in the land.

 

Mayors from around the country declared Monday that St. Louis water rises to the top. The water was judged on taste, clarity and aroma.

 

St. Louis bested four other finalists, chosen from an original field of more than 90 cities.

 

David Visintainer, the city's water commissioner, is soaking it up.

 

"That's a pretty great honor," he said.

 

A limestone derivative is added to "soften" the water, Visintainer said, and a carbon process is used to wipe out pollutants. St. Louis water is odor neutral, he said, without the brownish tint that keeps water filter salesmen afloat in other big cities.

"Our water is especially clear," Visintainer said.

 

The honor shouldn't be a surprise. Generations of beer barons have used St. Louis water to better their brew.

 

The award — bestowed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors — comes with a $15,000 prize and the title "Best Tasting City Water in America."

 

Visintainer isn't sure how the city Water Department will celebrate, but, he said, if there is a party, don't expect bottled water.