In the aftermath of the severe drought in California, the issue of water recycling has emerged as a critical concern. It is imperative to consider every possible measure to ensure water conservation and optimal utilization. Yet, the pressing concern is whether the current water availability can be maximized through recycling, and if so, to what extent.
To address this concern, a company specializing in water recycling has collaborated with a local brewery to explore a possibility. The result is a beer made from wastewater.
Recycling Shower Water For Beer
Epic Cleantec and Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company have jointly created a distinctive beer called Epic OneWater Brew, made using greywater obtained from a 40-story apartment in San Francisco. The greywater, recycled from showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry, is captured, treated, and reused by Epic’s on-site equipment.
Epic Cleantec took over 2,000 gallons of the highly filtered, cleaned, and purified water to Devil’s Canyon, where it was brewed and packaged into over 7,000 cans of beer. At the moment, the OneWater Brew is not readily available for purchase. However, samples have been handed out at events like the recent UN Water Conference in New York.
Epic has disclosed that it is a “demonstration product,” with the primary objective of generating discussions about the potential of water recycling. The company aims to bring attention to water recycling, particularly with existing rigorous and restrictive regulations on recycled drinking water.
Epic’s Environmental Commitment
In recent times, Epic Cleantec has established itself as a pioneer in the water industry with its innovative technologies. These technologies focus on maximizing water conservation while minimizing environmental impact. Epic has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to sustainability, and the OneWater Brew is just one of its numerous initiatives.
“What we wanted to do as a company was to really showcase the untapped potential of water reuse,” Aaron Tartakovsky, co-founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec, told weather.com. “We believe that there is no waste in wastewater.” Epic Cleantec’s innovative approach to water management has led to the development of groundbreaking technologies that have transformed the water treatment industry.
Their commitment to the environment also extends beyond water conservation. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, from solar panels to renewable energy sources. This new beer is another step towards Epic Cleantec becoming a zero-waste company.
Public Reception
The reception to Epic’s OneWater Brew has been mixed, with some applauding the company’s innovation and sustainability efforts. However, others have expressed skepticism toward the use of recycled shower water. Nonetheless, Epic Cleantec remains committed to its environmental goals.
Epic’s website states, “With advanced treatment technologies, recycled water is not only safe to drink, but is often even cleaner than many sources of water we commonly consume.” However, the challenge would be getting people over the “yuck factor” of recycled water. According to Tartakovsky, there is a public perception issue regarding wastewater.
Nonetheless, Epic Cleantec and Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company will aim to continue exploring sustainable, environmentally conscious practices, not just in the brewing industry but in all sectors.
