Reuse Brew is a classic German lager with a twist – it's made from recycled wastewater.
The beer is the result of a collaboration between the southern German city of Weissenburg and the USA Water technology the company Xylem and the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Specifically, at the Faculty of Brewery and Beverage Technology at TUM (why didn’t I study there?!).
While the idea of a sewage brew might be hard to swallow, Xylem ensures that all the bad stuff is filtered out before adding malt, hops and yeast.
First, a machine injects ozone into the wastewater. The sludge is then irradiated with UV radiation and bombarded with hydrogen peroxide pellets. Finally it is pressed through various carbon and nano filters.
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This process removes 99.999% of all chemicals and contaminants. The end result is clean, fresh water that you can use for drinking, watering your plants, or brewing beer.
The Reuse brew will be available for tasting in Munich this month. Photo credit: Xylem
Reuse Brew is a Bavarian Helles – a traditional one German light lager. “It has a pleasant freshness that is complemented by a slight malty sweetness and a subtle bitter note,” says Marlies Poppe from Xylem to TNW.
“Reuse Brew isn’t just a drink; It is a conversation starter that stimulates discussions about water conservation, resource efficiency and the endless possibilities of sustainable brewing practices.”
Addressing water shortages one beer at a time
While this may sound radical, converting wastewater into tap water is not uncommon. NASA astronauts Turn their piss into water to avoid further resupply missions. California was hit by drought and even passed its first standards Convert wastewater into drinking water last year.
If you think about it, we've probably all drank sewage at some point in our lives.
When flushing, your waste travels through a pipe to a treatment plant. Here it is cleaned and then discharged into a river or lake. Finally, this very water is pumped back into a well where it can be drunk again.
Yet most people don't think of it that way. The toilet-to-faucet “yuck” factor has prevented the widespread adoption of wastewater recycling. Until now.
“It is not the source of the water that should determine its value, but rather its safety and quality,” said Professor Jörg E. Drewes from TUM.
The demand for water is higher than ever before. But climate change is bringing more severe droughts and extreme weather events that disrupt supplies. In the future, recycling wastewater could become the norm.
If you want to crack a Reuse Brew for yourself, Xylem will be selling bottles at the upcoming event IFAT event in Munich, which takes place from May 13th to 17th. Bottom up!
