The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission received top honors at the Chesapeake Tri-Association Conference (Tri-Con) annual American Water Works Association Water (AWWA) Taste Test Challenge on August 28, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland. MetCom is now eligible to compete nationally at the AWWA’s 2026 event in Washington, DC.

Competitors submitted one gallon of room temperature water in a glass container to a panel of judges who rated each entry on its flavor characteristics. MetCom serves 28 separate water systems with over 1.3 billion gallons of potable water and utilizes 62 well sites and more than 400 miles of water line for safe distribution to its customers. A sample from the Fox Meadows subdivision was submitted for this contest entry.

“Being able to successfully compete at a regional level is a tremendous honor for the Commission and St. Mary’s County,” said MetCom’s Executive Director, George Erichsen. “This award is both a reflection and an acknowledgement of the incredible Facilities and Operations staff who continue to deliver the highest level of service to our community. “

The Chesapeake Tri-Association is a collective of organizations focused on the challenges facing the water and wastewater industries and those professionals trusted to protect public health and the environment. These organizations include the Water and Wast Operators Association (WWOA), the Chesapeake Section of the American Water Works Association (CSAWWA) and the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA)