Author and Water Authority Michael Cervin to Speak on Fluoride at Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting

Santa Barbara, CA, February 16, 2014 --(PR.com)-- His lecture this year at the Friday afternoon Seminar, “Water Around the Globe” is entitled “Fear or Folly? The 411 on Fluoride.” The fluoride debate has intensified over the last few years and new evidence shows that too much exposure to fluoride can have long-term health consequences. “My goal as a journalist is to the get to truth of the matter, not to dabble in half-truths, conspiracy theories or governmental mis-communication.” Certainly with the recent chemical spill in West Virginia, clean, pure water is becoming a much higher priority.

In addition to his lecture, Cervin will once again act as a water judge at the oldest water tasting event in North America. The competition includes both bottled water and municipal water categories. Waters are tasted using guidelines identical to wine, and are rated for appearance, aroma, taste, and mouth feel, served in glass carafes and evaluated blind.

“The amount of organic minerals in water directly affects their taste,” Cervin says. “Silica for example gives water a silky mouth feel; potassium translates to a sweeter profile. And there are undesirables; too much iron content (from rock and/or plumbing) and water tastes metallic; hydrogen sulfate produces an odor similar to rotten eggs. Municipal water often reeks of chlorine, used to kill bacteria.”

The Berkeley Spring International Water Tasting runs from February 21st and 22nd in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

Mr. Cervin’s writings have appeared in top magazines like Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, Decanter (London), Fine Wine & Liquor (China) Wine & Spirits, Wine Enthusiast, Sommelier Journal, The Tasting Panel, Food & Beverage World, Palate Press, Westways, and more than 80 publications. Other professional judging events Mr. Cervin has been involved with include the Best of Vinho Verde Awards in Portugal, the Taste of Rum Festival in Puerto Rico, The California State Fair Wine Competition, the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the Central Coast Wine Competition in Paso Robles, The El Dorado County Fair Wine Competition, He also judges at many wine and food charity events.