The NEWBrew cans have become a surprising hit among attendees at the COP29 climate talks in Baku. These small blue beverage cans contain beer made with treated wastewater, known as NEWater, a conservation initiative in water-starved Singapore. While some attendees jokingly call it “sewage beer,” many are pleasantly surprised by its taste and message of sustainability.
The beer, produced by a local brewery, The Brewerkz Group, has been available at the climate talks in Azerbaijan and has received positive feedback from people like international relations student Ignace Urchil Lokouako Mbouamboua. Singapore’s advanced water management techniques, including wastewater recycling, have long been at the forefront of innovation, with campaigns dating back decades to normalize the use of treated wastewater.
NEWBrew is helping shift public perception around the use of treated wastewater, with many unable to tell the difference in taste compared to other beers. The beer has been well-received by attendees like Peter Rummel, who compared it favorably to traditional German beer. The cost of NEWBrew is similar to other beers on the market, making it an accessible and eco-friendly option for consumers.
Leaders in water management, like Saroj Kumar Jha from the World Bank, have emphasized the importance of changing the perception around treated wastewater from “wastewater” to “used water.” The increasing acceptance of this practice highlights a growing need for sustainable water solutions as climate change exacerbates water scarcity issues globally. NEWBrew stands as a symbol of innovation and sustainability, encouraging others to follow suit in embracing eco-friendly practices.
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