The city of Universal City has achieved a remarkable distinction, being awarded the title for the best tasting drinking water in the groundwater category by the Texas Water Utilities Association. This prestigious accolade was celebrated by city staff during the well-attended Nov. 6 City Council meeting, marking a significant moment for the community’s commitment to water quality excellence.
The overview
Assistant Public Works Director Brandon Peterson elaborated that there are six competing regions across Texas for this esteemed award, with Universal City proudly representing the Armadillo Region, which encompasses Bexar, Guadalupe, and Comal counties. The qualifications for participating in this competitive event are stringent; cities must not have received any violations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality within the past year and must operate a compliant water treatment facility.
Universal City, like its neighboring water providers, sources its water from the renowned Edwards Aquifer before sending it to the city treatment facility for purification. Notably, the city enhances the drinking water by adding fluoride, as Peterson highlighted during discussions about the treatment process.
City Manager Kim Turner emphasized that although every water distributor in the region draws from the Edwards Aquifer, variations in geological shelf formations can significantly influence the overall quality of the water supplied. She further noted that receiving this award reflects the dedicated efforts and expertise of the city staff, who continually strive to ensure that residents of Universal City have access to high-quality water and reliable services.
What else?
This latest accolade is not Universal City’s first recognition for superior water quality; in fact, the city previously won a similar award in 2020, as pointed out by Public Works Director Randy Leunsmann. The city’s efforts in maintaining exceptional water standards also earned them a commendable second place in the prestigious national water quality competition organized by the American Water Works Association back in 2015.
**Interview with Assistant Public Works Director Brandon Peterson on Universal City’s Award for Best Tasting Drinking Water**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Brandon. Universal City recently received a prestigious award for the best tasting drinking water in the groundwater category from the Texas Water Utilities Association. How does it feel for the city to be recognized in this way?
**Brandon Peterson:** It’s an incredible honor for everyone in our community! This recognition highlights our commitment to providing high-quality water to our residents. It’s a testament to the hard work our Public Works team puts in every day.
**Editor:** Can you share some insights into the process that led to this award?
**Brandon Peterson:** Absolutely. There were six competing regions, and we underwent a rigorous evaluation process. Our water was judged on taste, odor, and clarity, among other factors. We focus on maintaining the best groundwater quality through regular testing and innovative water treatment processes.
**Editor:** What does this award mean for the residents of Universal City?
**Brandon Peterson:** This award is a source of pride for our residents. It reassures them that the water we provide is not only safe but also enjoyable to drink. It also encourages the city to continue prioritizing water quality and sustainability.
**Editor:** How does Universal City plan to maintain or improve its water quality moving forward?
**Brandon Peterson:** We’re committed to ongoing monitoring and improvements. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure and explore new technologies that can enhance our water quality even further. Engaging with the community is also essential, and we’re planning educational outreach programs to raise awareness about water conservation.
**Editor:** Thank you, Brandon, for sharing these insights. Congratulations to Universal City for this recognition!
**Brandon Peterson:** Thank you! We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing our mission of excellence in water quality.