As long-time readers of this blog probably know, we champion a lot of causes around here. But there’s one that seems to unite us all — well, at least Mark and I — and that’s Johnson County tap water.
As you might know, Mark moved to State College, Pa., a few months ago and wrote this wonderful endorsement of Johnson County tap water.
It read, in part:
“I have no idea how Johnson County (Kansas) pulls off this feat, but it serves its customers the Cristal of tap waters. After living in Johnson County, even Fiji and Voss water taste like dirt. I know this endorsement sounds so pretentious, so Johnson County, but it’s so true.”
At the time, I thought I knew what Mark meant. I did, after all, grow up in Johnson County and drink that water for the first 18 years of my life. But here’s the thing: At the time, I was living in Johnson County. That tap water was my life. I drank it every day. After runs. Right before bed. In the morning.
As if from some pure and crisp Rocky Mountain spring, that perfect water came pouring out of the faucet and into my glass — before satisfying my thirst like a cherry icee on a 107 degree day. But I was simply too close to the story. I didn’t really know. I couldn’t.
Last week, I moved back to Lawrence for work. It’s been a busy seven days. But there’s one thing that stands out above everything else: The water here tastes… meh. I guess I’d compare it to licking the face of a dull, rusting hammer after every drink. It still quenches your thirst. But the level of satisfaction just doesn’t compare.
So here’s a tribute… to the best freaking water in the world… to the the Pappy Van Winkle of tap waters… to Johnson County tap water.
The Brew House 