The Vital Importance of TAUD Region Meetings

Our region meetings are among the most valuable services we offer to our members. They are a unique aspect of our operations, providing unmatched opportunities and tremendous value. These meetings cultivate spaces where vital conversations about the future and growth of our industry can take place – these are undoubtedly some of the most critical discussions happening in our state today. We are immensely proud of the work that each of our members do and the value these meetings offer to help move the industry forward.

But the true lifeblood of the water industry in Tennessee is you – its people. From managers to operators, from office staff to field staff, from engineers and architects to bookkeepers and beyond, each one of you is a vital cog in the wheel. You are the architects of accessibility, the guardians of a resource so fundamental to our way of life that without it, all else would come to a halt.

It is your hands that bring the most vital resource into the homes of every Tennessean, providing a lifeline that fuels every endeavor, every dream. It is you who lay the groundwork for families to cook their meals, for children to learn and grow, for businesses to thrive. Each droplet of water you help deliver is a stepping stone in the pursuit of the American dream, a testament to your unwavering dedication and hard work.

In your diverse roles and capacities, you each hold a unique piece of the puzzle. It’s when we bring these pieces together that the true picture of our potential emerges. The conversations, the shared knowledge, and the collective action taken in these region meetings offer a glimpse into the incredible power we hold when we unite. Together, you are not just maintaining an industry; you are propelling it into the future, steering it towards innovation and sustainability.

By coming together, sharing experiences and insights, collaborating on solutions, we can create a synergy that transcends the boundaries of our individual roles. These meetings aren’t just about industry updates and networking; they’re about harnessing the collective power of Tennessee’s water industry to better serve our communities, our state, and our future.

We are here to foster these vital conversations, to support you in your crucial work, and to celebrate the remarkable contributions you each make to our industry and to the lives of every Tennessean.

What is a Best Tasting Water Contest?

Our annual Best Tasting Water contest is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the dedication, hard work, and expertise that goes into providing Tennesseans with high-quality drinking water. Each year, TAUD regions across the state host their own contest to determine the best tasting water in their area. Winners from each regional contest are then entered into the statewide competition at the TAUD Annual Conference, where the coveted title of “The Best Tasting Water in Tennessee” is awarded.

But the stakes don’t stop at state level. The victorious water sample is then entered into the national Great American Water Taste Test, held as part of the NRWA Rural Water Rally in Washington D.C. For the winning utility, TAUD not only offers the opportunity to compete on a national stage but also covers all associated costs, including flights, accommodations, and meals for a representative.

This contest brings significant value to our state. First, it offers a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the skill and knowledge that our water utilities invest in ensuring Tennesseans have access to excellent drinking water. Second, it helps to raise public awareness about the importance of our state’s water quality and the vital role our utilities play in maintaining it.

Moreover, the contest fosters a healthy spirit of competition among our utilities, which in turn drives continuous improvement and innovation. It’s not merely about taste; it’s a testament to the high standards of safety, cleanliness, and overall quality that we uphold in our state. The Best Tasting Water contest is our way of saying that we not only value these efforts but also aim to set the bar higher every time. It showcases the best of Tennessee on a national platform and further solidifies our commitment to providing our citizens with nothing less than the best.