Independence's water again is rated among the world's best.

The city took home the bronze medal at the 26th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting contest – billed as the Academy Awards of water – Saturday in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

Clearbrook, British Columbia, won gold as the best municipal water in the world, while Eldorado Springs, Colorado, won gold for best in the United States. Marysville, Victoria, Australia, took home the silver, followed by Independence.

“This award is very significant to the city of Independence, our staff and our citizens,” Mayor Eileen Weir said in a press release. “It is gratifying to be able to provide the very best water at a very low cost to consumers and to be recognized for the expertise of all the employees in our Water Department for their ability to treat and deliver a superior product.”

Independence has placed as high as second at Berkeley Springs (2013) and also took third in 2012. Last year the city finished right behind a three-way tie for fourth.

According to the contest announcement, judging follows guidelines similar to those in wine tasting. The waters were rated on attributes including appearance (it should be clear – or slightly opaque for glacial waters), aroma (there should be none), taste (it should taste clean), mouth feel (it should feel light), aftertaste (it should leave you thirsty for more). Waters were tasted in four separate flights over two days.

“The consistency in winners from year to year with different panels of judges validates the choices,” said perennial watermaster Arthur von Wiesenberger in a release. “It also speaks to the impressively high caliber of the waters entered.”

“We are fortunate to have an excellent water source and staff who work tirelessly for our customers,” Water Department Director Dan Montgomery said. “This recognition confirms what the citizens of Independence already knew, that we have some of the best-tasting water in the country.”

Independence established its water department in 1883, and it now supplies water to about 250,000, including residents of Independence and 12 wholesale customers that include Blue Springs, Grain Valley and Lee's Summit.

The water is supplied from 42 wells located at the Courtney Bend Water Treatment Plant. The wells receive water from the Missouri River Alluvial Aquifer, classified as a groundwater source. The well water is softened and disinfected at the treatment plant and meets or exceeds all federal and state quality regulations. It contains no added fluoride.