Sam Bracken, a shift operator at Icon Water, did a "shoey" - drank some great-tasting ACT water from his boot - during the awards night in Canberra on Thursday night. At least, we think it was water. Yes, of course it was.

(A "shoey" has become the celebration of choice for Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo and we won't mention those Australian dudes aka the Budgie Nine who performed a shoey at the Malaysian Grand Prix, in their jocks.)

The honour of having the best-tasting tap water was bestowed upon the ACT by the Water Industry Operators Association of Australia after the territory went up against all other water providers and councils in NSW during judging in Canberra this week.

Judges ranked the water according to best taste, odour and appearance.

The ACT's victory against NSW seemed to surprise the hosts of TV show The Panel who let out a few oohs and aahs during a segment on Thursday night when the winner was announced.

One of the panel, Ryan "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, pulled out the updated but still hoary one-liner that Canberra was known for "fireworks, porn and now water".

Craig Mathisen, from the association, said the ACT would now compete against the Queensland winner, Toowoomba Regional Council, probably during National Water Week in October. And the national winner from Australia would compete in the United States next February.

But we already know we have the best tasting water in the world.