NEGAUNEE — Marquette County residents who want to savor the best tasting water in the Upper Peninsula don’t have far to go.

Negaunee Township was recently awarded the best-tasting water in the U.P. by the American Water Works Association – Michigan Section, and will go on to compete against four other municipalities for the state title in September.

The American Water Works Association identifies itself as an international, nonprofit, scientific and educational society dedicated to providing total water solutions assuring the effective management of water.

Founded in 1881, the association website states the AWWA is the “largest organization of water supply professionals in the world.”

Lower Peninsula regional winners include the cities of Jackson and Lowell, and the villages of Tekonsha and Mancelona.

Negaunee Township Water Department Supervisor Russ Williams said the regional award “confirms what (I) already knew.”

“At Negaunee Township we take pride in providing a high-quality product to our residents,” Williams said. “We look forward to competing downstate in September to be the best-tasting drinking water in the state.”

Williams said the township was rated as having the best-tasting water in the U.P. in 1989, going on to win statewide honors that year.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.