51st Annual Conference
February 9th thru 11th, 2026
Community Choice Credit Union
Convention Center
Veterans Memorial Center
730 Third Street
Des Moines, Iowa
2026 Conference Attendee Registration
Online Registration for Conference Attendees
(see Exhibit Information for Booth Registration)
2026 Host Hotel
Hilton Downtown Des Moines
Online Reservations available October 2025.
Room Rate starts at $151.00/night.
Best Tasting Water 2026
Official Contest Rules
1. A one-quart sample in a glass container (glass canning jar) should be entered in Des Moines at the conference registration desk by 9:30 am on Monday, February 9th, 2026.
2. A panel of distinguished tastetesters will judge all samples on Monday Morning, February 9th at the conference. The winner will be announced at the conference Award Reception on Tuesday, February 10th starting at 3:30 PM.
3. Judging Criteria: Taste, Bouquet and Clarity
4. The winner will be eligible to compete against other states at the National Rural Water Association’s Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C. in February 2027.
IRWA will award the Best Tasting Water winner a trip to the Water Rally with two nights of accommodation and airfare for one individual from that utility. All other expenses are the responsibility of the Water Rally attendee(s).
5. Contest is open to Iowa communities and regional systems.