Unconventional Brewing: Turning Wastewater into Beer

In a world grappling with water scarcity, one California brewery and a water technology company have found a groundbreaking solution to address both the environmental crisis and public perception. Devil’s Canyon Brewery, situated in northern California, has joined forces with Epic Cleantec, a wastewater technology company, to give birth to Epic OneWater Brew – a beer infused with treated wastewater sourced from a towering San Francisco apartment building.

Amidst an ongoing drought that has engulfed a third of the United States, this innovative collaboration aims to shed light on the untapped potential of water sources and encourage the public to reconsider their stance on recycled water. Recognizing the urgent need to transform the way we view this vital resource, Devil’s Canyon Brewery, in conjunction with Epic Cleantec’s water treatment process, ingeniously repurposes 7,500 gallons of wastewater generated daily by the apartment building’s showers, sinks, and washing machines. With this treated water as a canvas, Devil’s Canyon Brewery masterfully crafts a refreshing Kölsch-style ale, captivating both beer enthusiasts and environmentalists alike.

Aaron Tartakovsky, CEO of Epic Cleantec, shares his initial skepticism regarding public acceptance of recycled water. However, the success of their beer project has proven this perception to be misguided. “When I first entered the industry, a lot of people said that the public is just not ready for recycled water, that public perception is too difficult for people to overcome,” Tartakovsky states. “And I think what our beer project has showed is the public is a lot more ready for recycled water than we give them credit for.”

Epic Cleantec embarked on this ambitious endeavor in late 2022, pioneering a new era of sustainable brewing. Although the primary objective of Epic Cleantec’s water treatment system is not to produce potable water, regulations have allowed for the reuse of wastewater in many states, including drought-prone regions like California and Texas.

As the nation grapples with water scarcity and seeks innovative ways to conserve this precious resource, Devil’s Canyon Brewery’s collaboration with Epic Cleantec serves as a beacon of hope. By marrying the art of brewing with sustainable practices, this partnership strives to reshape public perception and demonstrate the potential of harnessing alternative water sources in the face of a growing crisis.

Devil’s Canyon Brewery and Epic Cleantec’s inspiring journey showcases not only the creativity of the human spirit but also the power of collective action. Together, they invite us to reimagine our relationship with water, encouraging us to embrace recycled alternatives and champion the responsible management of this vital resource.

Join the movement – raise a glass of Epic OneWater Brew and support the quest for a sustainable future. Together, we can quench our thirst for change and make a profound difference for generations to come.

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