Revolutionizing Water Sources: From Skyscraper Wastewater to Refreshing Beer

In a time when chronic droughts and climate change continue to wreak havoc on the American West, finding innovative ways to conserve and utilize water sources has become a necessity. Enter Aaron Tartakovsky, the CEO of recycling company Epic Cleantec, who has taken an unconventional approach to raise awareness about the untapped potential of water sources that might initially seem unsavoury.

Tartakovsky’s ingenious idea revolves around beer, a beverage that has brought people together since the dawn of human civilization. By brewing a beer using recycled wastewater from a San Francisco skyscraper, he aims to showcase the benefits of utilizing alternative water sources and ensure the security of communities for future generations.

The beer, aptly named Epic OneWater Brew, uses water derived from the showers, sinks, and washing machines of a 550-home apartment building. Epic Cleantec treats the building’s wastewater in its basement, purifying it and returning much of it to be reused for flushing toilets and the irrigation system. Although California law prevents this treated water from being used for drinking, once filtered, it exceeds federal drinking quality standards.

To create Epic OneWater Brew, the water undergoes a three-stage purification process. Bacteria targets contaminants similar to how our stomachs break down food, followed by filtration through membranes one-thousandth the diameter of a human hair. Finally, the water is disinfected with ultraviolet light and chlorine. The result? A crystal-clear liquid that not only meets drinking standards but also tastes just like any other beer.

Chris Garrett, the CEO of Devil’s Canyon brewery, collaborated with Epic Cleantec and produced 7,200 cans of the beer. Surprisingly, the treated wastewater provides a “cleaner slate” than the municipal water typically used by the brewery for brewing. Blind tastings have confirmed that there is no discernible change in taste, even for the most discerning beer snobs.

Despite the success and undeniable quality of Epic OneWater Brew, California law currently prevents the two companies from selling the beer commercially. However, they remain hopeful that this will change in the future. In the meantime, they have been distributing cans for free during major events such as Climate Week in New York.

This innovative project has demonstrated that the general public is more ready for recycled water than previously believed. In some parts of the United States, recycled wastewater has long been used for non-drinking purposes like watering golf courses and crops. Other states, such as Orange County, pump treated water into the ground, replenishing underground aquifers. Still, with water sources drying up due to prolonged droughts, authorities are exploring ways to recycle wastewater for direct reuse. California plans to adopt new measures for “direct potable reuse” (DPR) technology before the end of 2023.

Opponents of recycled water have often dubbed the process “toilet-to-tap,” relying on disgust rather than understanding the advanced technology used for purification. However, a recent study from Stanford University revealed that recycled water may be cleaner than much of the water consumed daily. Furthermore, using recycled water offers advantages over expensive alternatives like seawater desalination, which requires proximity to coastlines and is more energy-intensive.

The story of Epic OneWater Brew showcases the potential and importance of utilizing alternative water sources. By challenging preconceptions and raising public awareness, Aaron Tartakovsky, Chris Garrett, and their respective companies have laid the foundation for a healthier and sustainable future. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, innovative initiatives like this are vital in ensuring the preservation of our precious resources for generations to come.

Changing Perceptions and Challenging Preconceptions: The Surprising Potential of Wastewater

When we think of wastewater, we often envision something dirty, foul-smelling, and definitely not fit for consumption. But what if I told you that there’s a brewery out there that is using wastewater to make delicious beer? Yes, you read that right! Epic Cleantec, a craft brewery based in California, is challenging our preconceptions about wastewater and showing us the untapped potential it holds.

Meet Mitch, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, who firmly believes that initiatives like Epic Cleantec can change attitudes towards wastewater and revolutionize the way we think about this resource. In recent years, several other breweries in Arizona and Idaho have also jumped on board, brewing beer using wastewater. This trend is slowly but surely breaking down the public’s negative impression of ‘toilet-to-tap’ water.

But why wastewater, you might ask? Well, for starters, seawater is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive to treat. Municipal wastewater, on the other hand, is abundantly available and can be an excellent alternative. It is a untapped resource that can benefit not only breweries but also other industries and agriculture.

Brewing beer using wastewater might sound unappetizing, but it’s important to note that we are not drinking raw wastewater. The water goes through multiple filtration and treatment processes to ensure that it meets all the required safety standards. These advanced treatment methods remove impurities and contaminants, resulting in clean, potable water that can be used for various purposes.

By embracing the use of wastewater, breweries like Epic Cleantec are not only reducing their environmental impact but also challenging our perceptions of what is acceptable. They are reminding us that with the right technology and processes in place, we can transform something deemed impure into something that brings joy and pleasure.

The success of these breweries lies not just in their ability to produce tasty beers but also in their dedication to educating the public about the safety and benefits of using treated wastewater. It’s about changing mindsets and fostering a more sustainable mindset when it comes to water usage.

So, the next time you raise a glass of beer, take a moment to appreciate the innovation and forward-thinking that went into turning what was once considered waste into a delightful beverage. Let’s toast to initiatives like Epic Cleantec and the others out there who are challenging conventions, changing attitudes, and proving that there is potential even in the most unlikely places.

Cheers to a future where wastewater is no longer seen as a burden, but instead as a valuable resource that can contribute to a more sustainable and enjoyable world. Let’s raise awareness, start conversations, and continue to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Together, we can make a difference.