Epic OneWater Brew: A Unique Beer Made from Recycled Water
Epic OneWater Brew is a unique beer that you wouldn’t identify by taste alone. Its distinctiveness lies in its key ingredient: water recycled from the showers, sinks, and washing machines of a residential building. This innovative brew is not only safe to drink but also aims to raise awareness about water scarcity and the potential for water reuse.
The Process and Purpose
Epic Cleantec, a water treatment company based in San Francisco, is the mastermind behind the beer. They teamed up with a local brewery to bring this innovative idea to life. The water that goes into the beer isn’t just any water. It undergoes a series of treatments, such as microfiltration and exposure to ultraviolet light. These processes ensure the water is safe to consume. The aim of this unique brew is twofold. Firstly, it seeks to shed light on the pressing issue of water scarcity. Secondly, it aims to advocate for the concept of water reuse. This is particularly important considering that buildings worldwide consume 14% of all drinkable water. Unfortunately, almost none of this water is reused.
The Beer and Its Regulations
The beer, a Kölsch-style ale originating from Germany, is made with recycled graywater from a luxury apartment building in San Francisco. However, it’s not for sale due to regulations prohibiting the use of recycled wastewater in commercial beverages.
The Technology Behind the Brew
Epic Cleantec’s technology is a game-changer for buildings. It enables them to recycle as much as 95% of their wastewater. This innovation eliminates the need for sewer discharge and distant treatment facilities. The system handles two types of wastewater. It treats blackwater, which comes from toilets, and graywater from sinks, washing machines, bathtubs, and showers. After treatment, the water becomes safe for non-potable uses. These uses include toilet flushing, irrigation, and laundry. This approach is a significant step towards more sustainable water use.
The Impact and Future of Water Recycling
Despite the high installation cost, the system pays for itself in a few years by reducing utility bills. In San Francisco, all new buildings of more than 100,000 square feet are required to have an on-site water recycling system since 2015. Epic Cleantec has installed five such systems to date. The company’s beer project, started in late 2022, was an educational effort to tell the water reuse story in a new way.
In essence, Epic OneWater Brew is not just a beer. It’s a powerful statement about the potential of water recycling. This unique brew also serves as a call to action for more sustainable water use. The beer is made from recycled shower water, which is a reminder. It reminds us that all water on our planet is recycled. With the right technology, we can utilize this precious resource more effectively. The success of Epic Cleantec’s project is noteworthy. It could open doors for more industries to consider using recycled water in their products. This could push the boundaries of what’s possible in water conservation.
