Epic OneWater Brew, is a unique beer crafted from an extraordinary ingredient: water recycled from the showers, sinks, and washing machines of a residential complex.
This innovative brew is the result of a collaboration between Epic Cleantec, a San Francisco-based water treatment company, and a local brewery.
While the beer’s distinctive ingredient might raise eyebrows, rest assured that it undergoes a rigorous purification process involving microfiltration and ultraviolet light, ensuring its safety for consumption.
The creation of Epic OneWater Brew serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it draws attention to the pressing issue of water scarcity and the importance of reusing this precious resource.
The beer itself is a Kölsch-style ale, known for its refreshing and light character, originating from Germany.
It’s produced using recycled graywater sourced from Fifteen Fifty, a luxurious 40-story apartment complex in San Francisco.
However, this unique brew isn’t available for commercial purchase at the moment due to existing regulations that restrict the use of recycled wastewater in consumable beverages. These regulations may evolve in the future, though.
Epic Cleantec is a trailblazer in water recycling solutions, particularly with its installation in Fifteen Fifty. This system, capable of recycling up to 95% of wastewater, ingeniously repurposes graywater and blackwater (from toilets) within the building itself.
The process involves biological treatment, microfiltration through ultra-thin membranes, and disinfection via ultraviolet light and chlorine. This treated water finds applications in non-potable uses like toilet flushing, irrigation, and laundry.
A remarkable feature of the system is its capacity to recover heat from wastewater, contributing to reduced heating costs.
Additionally, the organic matter extracted from wastewater can be transformed into natural soil products, benefiting landscaping and green spaces.
Though the installation takes up the space of a few parking spots, it’s an investment that pays off within a few years through reduced utility expenses.
The system aligns with San Francisco’s forward-thinking approach. Since 2015, any new building exceeding 100,000 square feet must incorporate an on-site water recycling system.
Of the limited number of such installations, Epic Cleantec is responsible for five, advocating for a shift away from over-reliance on centralized water infrastructure.
Epic Cleantec’s beer venture, which commenced in late 2022, was originally an educational effort presented at a sustainable building technology conference.
Over 7,000 cans of Epic OneWater Brew were produced using 2,000 gallons of recycled water, serving as a unique medium to narrate the story of water reuse. The response exceeded expectations, sparking conversations around recycled water’s potential.
While Epic Cleantec’s system isn’t designed for potable water production, regulations in several US states, including California and Texas, allow for the reuse of recycled water in drinking water. Other states like Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Washington are revising their water reuse regulations.
Experts, such as David Sedlak from the Berkeley Water Center, emphasize the significance of building-scale water recycling systems in reducing reliance on vulnerable water sources and curbing pollution.
Epic Cleantec’s technology has demonstrated its viability, producing clean enough water for purposes ranging from beer brewing to toilet flushing.
As regulations evolve and perceptions shift, the potential applications of recycled water are boundless. Epic Cleantec is exploring opportunities beyond its initial focus, engaging with major brewers and paving the way for various industries to adopt sustainable water reuse practices.
In a world where recycled water is no different from the water consumed by ancient creatures, the possibilities are limitless, and Epic Cleantec is at the forefront of this transformative movement.
