The city of Bellevue's drinking water took the top prize this year at the annual conference of the Idaho Rural Water Association, held earlier this month in Boise.

Kimberly's drinking water was named second best in the state, as reported Saturday by the Times-News.

Samples of city water were judged on clarity, odor and taste.

"Bellevue does have very good drinking water," said Lacey Lough administrative clerk for the Bellevue Water/Sewer Department. "A lot of people say 'You guys have great water.'"

Loughmiller credited Water Supervisor Rick Turner and city workers David Bucklin and Duane Jermberg with the city's win.

As winners of the Idaho competition, Loughmiller and Mayor Jon Anderson will travel to Washington, D.C. at the end of April to represent Bellevue and Idaho at the National Rural Water Association Conference.

Four mason jars of Bellevue city water will proceed them, to be entered in the national contest. The trip will be paid for by the Idaho Rural Water Association.

While in the capital, Loughmiller and Anderson will meet with Idaho's senators and representatives and address the Environmental Protection Agency on the importance of funding rural water programs.

Additional information is available at http://www.idahoruralwater.com.