The NSW/ACT heats for the Ixom 2022 Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition was held at a state-wide water conference in Tamworth on Wednesday, with water judged on its colour, clarity, odour and taste.

After making it through a round of heats, Tamworth vied against Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Shoalhaven Shire Council for the title of top drop.

But it was Shoalhaven who took out the prize, and will head to the national championships later in the year.

The competition was part of the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia (WIOA) NSW conference & exhibition held at TRECC this week, with a focus on new technology and challenges facing the industry.

WIOA chair John Harris said more than 600 people have attended the conference with many exhibitors travelling from Canberra, Newcastle and Sydney.

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The industry has faced major issues during the recent floods and drought, and the event helps to shine a light on the work done behind the scenes to help secure communities water futures.

"Water treatment plants are having major issues dealing with turbidity that's coming out of the heavy rains, putting extra pressure on councils to produce water that meets the health department's requirements," Mr Harris said.

"Tamworth has been very supportive of our conference and it's very important because it exposes locals to a wide variety of people in the industry and it helps the town on a tourism aspect as well."

The conference and exhibition continues at TRECC on Thursday.

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