It’s officially April, and for those of us in the water world, this isn’t just another month—it’s the start of something exciting. As many of you know, I’ll be serving as a judge for this year’s Water Choice Awards, presented by The Daily Pour and I’m here to tell you: this is your moment.
If you’re a water brand whether you’re established, emerging, or somewhere in between this competition was built for you. And the best part? Getting involved is far more straightforward than you might think.
Let’s break it down.
Why This Competition Matters
The bottled water industry has evolved. This isn’t just about hydration anymore it’s about source, story, minerality, and experience. Consumers are asking better questions, and retailers are looking for brands that stand out.
That’s where the Water Choice Awards come in.
This isn’t a popularity contest. It’s a serious evaluation of what’s in the bottle judged by trained palates who understand the nuances of natural water. We’re talking about blind tastings, mineral balance, mouthfeel, finish, and overall drinkability.
For brands, that means:
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Credibility in a growing global market
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Recognition that actually means something
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A chance to stand out beyond packaging and marketing
And let’s be honest there’s nothing like having your water chosen because of what it actually tastes like.
What You Need to Enter
Here’s where I want to make this simple.
If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but what’s the catch?” there isn’t one. You don’t need a massive marketing budget or a global footprint to participate.
At its core, here’s what you’ll need:
1. A Clearly Defined Water Source
We’re looking for natural, single-source waters. That means spring, artesian, mineral, or naturally sparkling sources with a story behind them.
2. Product Samples
You’ll need to submit bottles for judging. These will be tasted blind, so consistency and quality matter more than branding.
3. Basic Brand Information
This includes:
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Source details (location, type)
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Mineral composition (TDS, key minerals if available)
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Still or sparkling classification
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Packaging format
4. Entry Submission
You’ll complete a simple registration process through The Daily Pour platform. No complicated hoops—just clear information and your intent to compete.
How to Sign Up (Step-by-Step)
Let’s make this as easy as possible:
Step 1: Head to the Official Awards Page
Visit the Water Choice Awards section on The Daily Pour website.
Step 2: Choose Your Category
You’ll be able to select where your water fits best:
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Still
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Sparkling (natural or added CO₂)
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Functional/mineral-forward
Step 3: Complete the Entry Form
Fill in your brand details, source information, and product specs.
Step 4: Submit Your Samples
Follow the provided shipping instructions to send your bottles in for judging.
Step 5: Confirm Your Entry
Once everything is received, you’re officially in.
That’s it. No gatekeeping. No unnecessary friction.
What We’re Looking For as Judges
Since I’ll be on the judging panel, I want to be transparent about what matters most.
We’re not judging labels—we’re judging what’s inside.
Here’s what stands out:
Balance
Does the water feel harmonious? Are the minerals integrated or overpowering?
Mouthfeel
Is it soft, silky, structured, crisp? This is where great waters separate themselves.
Finish
What happens after you swallow? Clean finish? Lingering minerality? Any bitterness?
Authenticity
Does the water reflect its source? Can we taste the place it comes from?
This is where natural water shines. You can’t fake terroir.
Why Now Is the Time to Enter
Let’s be real the water space is getting louder. More brands, more claims, more noise.
But here’s the opportunity: consumers are becoming more educated.
They’re moving away from generic “purified” options and toward waters with identity—waters that have a story, a composition, a reason for being.
Competitions like this help bridge that gap.
They give brands:
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A platform to be discovered
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A way to validate quality
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A story to tell buyers, retailers, and customers
And for newer brands? This can be a launching pad.
A Personal Note from the Judging Table
From where I sit as The Waterlady and now as a judge I can tell you this: I’m not looking for the biggest brand in the room.
I’m looking for the water that makes me pause.
The one that feels intentional. The one that reflects its origin. The one that reminds us why “water is not just water.”
That could be you.
Final Thoughts: Just Get In the Room
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to put your water out there—this is it. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to believe in what you’ve bottled. Because once it’s in the glass, it speaks for itself. So go ahead head over to The Daily Pour, submit your entry, and let your water do what it was meant to do. Be tasted. Be judged. Be remembered.