Three Denver breweries on tap to brew Colorado’s first beer from recycled water

Denver — Colorado-based engineering firm CH2M is changing the way we think about water. On Thurs., Sept. 14, direct potable reuse (DPR) purified water will be delivered to three breweries earmarked to become Colorado’s first to produce craft beer from recycled water. CH2M is spearheading the effort to drive sustainable water reuse technology and to build public acceptance of recycled water.

Metro-Denver brewing companies Lone Tree Brewing Company, Lost Highway Brewing Company and 105 West Brewing Company, will receive 330 gallons of direct potable reuse water produced by a mobile advanced water treatment plant in part designed by CH2M in conjunction with Pima County, Arizona, and other participating entities. Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, will be driving the mobile plant to Denver for a special viewing at CH2M’s global headquarters.

“Direct potable reuse is a real solution for stressed water supplies and for future-proofing water resources for resilient cities,” said CH2M Reuse Technology Director Larry Schimmoller. “By applying this technology to something our state loves – local craft beer – we’re highlighting the positive impacts recycled water can have in communities, and helping build public support for similar initiatives.”

Follow the reuse journey:

• 7 – Reclaimed water from Pima County’s Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility pumped into treatment trailer to be purified to drinking water standards.
• 7 – Six drums (55 gallons/drum) of purified reclaimed water leave Pima County for Colorado.
• 14 – Breweries receive recycled water and can begin brewing process.
• 17 – Brewing in progress.
• 13 – Special batches of recycled craft brews served at CH2M-hosted ReuseFest.

“On average, it takes 60 ounces of water to brew just 12-ounces of beer, something our customers probably don’t realize when they reach for that beer bottle. With water under increasing demand, we want to do our part to build a sustainable future, and that’s why we excitedly accepted this opportunity with CH2M,” said Tina Pachorek, CEO Lost Highway Brewing Company.

In 2015 CH2M was named the Stockholm Industry Award Winner for transforming the practice and perception of wastewater. By pioneering the third step of wastewater treatment, the company challenged the concept of wastewater by showing that just because water has been used it doesn’t have to be wasted.

Said Schimmoller, “It’s our hope, and the hope of our partner breweries, that when our guests get a taste of these special batches of ReuseFest beer, their perceptions of water reuse will change for the better as they simply enjoy a great tasting beer. We appreciate the breweries donating their time and beer to help raise awareness and acceptance of DPR water.”

Water reuse process

The reclaimed water from Pima County’s Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility will be pumped into a treatment trailer. Once in the trailer, it will be purified using a multi-barrier purification process including ultra-filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet disinfection with advanced oxidation, activated carbon filtration and chlorine disinfection to transform recycled community wastewater into pure drinking water.

At ReuseFest on Oct. 13, invited guests will have the opportunity to tour the treatment trailer, hear from CH2M technology leaders and of course, taste the final products at the Oktoberfest-themed educational event.