Agana Rainwater recently tied for fifth place at the largest water-tasting competition in the world.

Rick Nedry, Agana Rainwater Sales and Marketing vice president, said the Buda company was one of more than 100 that represented nine countries Feb. 25 in the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting and Competition in Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

Agana tied with Palomar Mountain Premium Spring Water in Escondido, Calif., in the annual contest's non-carbonated bottled water division.

Nedry said the company's biodegradable and recyclable bottle and cap, the low level of dissolved ground solids in the water and the lack of chemicals made Agana a stiff competitor in the international contest.

"We get emails and mailings every day from family and friends across the country about water problems," he said. "Right here in Texas, from Waco to Temple to Dallas to Houston, there's radiation problems, there's too much chlorine, there's not enough water. We think we have a good alternative."

Agana may be purchased online and in Austin at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, and at several coffee shops. The company is also the official bottled water of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and The Driskill Hotel.