At the United Nations climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, Singapore’s pavilion showcased a unique beverage that drew attention and curiosity: NEWBrew beer, crafted using treated wastewater. This innovative brew was offered free to attendees, but many were initially surprised to learn of its unconventional ingredient.

Ignace Urchil Lokouako Mbouamboua, an international relations student from Congo, expressed astonishment upon discovering the beer’s origins, stating he enjoyed it so much that he had returned for a can each day of the conference. In Singapore, NEWBrew is part of a broader national initiative to promote the conservation of water, given the city-state’s lack of natural water sources.

The production of NEWBrew utilizes NEWater, Singapore’s treated wastewater, and serves as an example of the country’s leadership in water management. With a population of 6 million and increasing demand for water, Singapore relies on catchment, desalination, and recycling to manage its water supply effectively. Authorities project that water demand will double by 2065, necessitating a push for innovative solutions.

The current iteration of NEWBrew was produced after its initial launch at the International Water Week in 2018 and has continued to evolve with each subsequent release. Ong Tze-Ch’in, the chief executive of Singapore’s national water agency, noted the importance of normalizing the consumption of recycled water, despite the challenges in public acceptance.

Feedback from international attendees varied. Peter Rummel, director of Bentley Systems, praised the beer, calling it "fresh, light, and cool," which was notable given his Munich roots, famous for Oktoberfest. The local brewery responsible for NEWBrew, The Brewerkz Group, has produced around 5,000 liters for each edition, with pricing comparable to other beers at approximately $5 USD per can.

Saroj Kumar Jha from the World Bank emphasized the importance of reframing public perceptions of treated wastewater, suggesting that it be referred to as “used water” instead. He shared in a toast with his fellow panelists, lauding the beer.

Throughout the years, Singapore has engaged in campaigns promoting water conservation and the use of treated water. A pivotal moment occurred in 2002 when the then-Prime Minister was photographed drinking NEWater, a significant step toward public acceptance. As global water scarcity issues worsen, the acceptance and understanding of treated wastewater will become increasingly critical in meeting the world’s water needs.