At the United Nations climate summit in Baku, Singapore made waves, not just with its water conservation practices and cultivated meat innovations, but with an unexpected twist - a beer brewed from treated wastewater Dubbed NEWBrew, this sewage beer in the form of a modern pilsner is a bold example of how innovation can turn the unimaginable into a surprisingly delightful reality.
Crafted using NEWater, Singapore’s high-grade reclaimed water, the beer is part of the city-state’s commitment to tackling water scarcity. For a country with minimal natural water sources, the brew symbolises the potential of wastewater recycling to address global water challenges.
Source: AP Photo/Peter Dejong - NEWBrew from recycled Singaporian sewage water
Attendees at the summit were curious and even skeptical before taking a sip. But the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Ignace Urchil Lokouako Mbouamboua, a student from Congo, said, “I didn’t know. I was really surprised. This tastes like any premium beer!” He even suggested that it be produced on a larger scale.
This isn’t Singapore’s first foray into reclaimed water innovation. Back in 2002, then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong famously drank a bottle of NEWater to promote its safety and taste. Over the years, the nation has paired technology with public campaigns to normalize the use of recycled water. The introduction of NEWBrew, in collaboration with a local brewery, adds a refreshing spin to this narrative.
Source: AP Photo/Peter Dejong - NEWBrew from recycled Singaporian sewage water
While its limited production makes it more of a novelty for now, the 2024 edition debuted at Baku has already gained a reputation for its crisp, clean flavour. It’s not just about the beer, though, it’s about shifting mindsets. “It’s part of getting people comfortable with the idea of recycled water,” said Ong Tze-Ch'in, chief executive of PUB, Singapore’s water agency.
With NEWBrew, Singapore is showing sustainability can be innovative, and even fun. So, here’s to a future where we can all raise a glass to thinking outside the (water) tank!
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