Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division received a score of 100 percent (or 599 points) on a sanitary survey of its water system by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. MLGW is the first groundwater system to receive this score in the state.

“Everyone knows Memphis has the best water in the world,” said Jerry R. Collins Jr., president and CEO of MLGW. “(Based on the survey results), MLGW has a reason to claim that it might also have the best water treatment and distribution system."

According to TDEC, a sanitary survey is an unannounced onsite evaluation and documentation of a water system’s capabilities, operations, sources, facilities, treatment process, equipment, distribution network, monitoring, reporting and data verification, pump facilities, controls and overall management needed to continually provide safe drinking water.

The TDEC survey is conducted once every two years; the latest survey took place from May 8 – 17. MLGW’s previous score was 99 percent.

The 2012 survey noted no significant deficiencies and MLGW’s water supply system was placed among the state’s “approved” water supplies.

“The score means we have a top-notch water system,” said Fred Von Hofe, manager of MLGW’s Water Quality Assurance Lab.

MLGW’s Water Quality Reports can be reviewed here: http://www.mlgw.com/about/waterqualityreport

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 429,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.