BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Amid the energy of the United Nations climate talks, where large displays by countries and organizations compete for attention, a striking sight stands out at the Singapore exhibit: small aqua and purple cans of beer, known as NEWBrew.
Visitors to this pavilion quickly discover that these beers are complimentary. However, what many may not realize until they take a sip is that NEWBrew is produced using treated wastewater. This innovative beverage highlights Singapore’s commitment to sustainable water management.
Ignace Urchil Lokouako Mbouamboua, an international relations student from Congo, expressed his surprise upon discovering the beer’s source after enjoying a can during a conference break. “I didn’t know,” he exclaimed, adding with a smile, “I can even suggest that they make more and more of this kind of beer.” He noted it was his third consecutive day stopping by for a can.
NEWBrew is crafted in Singapore using NEWater, a term coined for treated wastewater. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s national campaign aimed at conserving every precious drop of water in a region known for its water scarcity. The country, an island with a population of 6 million, relies heavily on water imports, desalination, and recycling due to the absence of natural water sources. As water demand is projected to double by 2065, authorities continue to boost all available sources.
While the concept of drinking beer made from treated wastewater may seem novel to many at the conference, it is not unfamiliar to Singaporeans. The city-state has a long history of campaigns promoting water conservation and showcasing the water recycling process. A notable moment came in 2002 when former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong drank a bottle of NEWater after a tennis match, aimed at normalizing the use of recycled water.
According to Ong Tze-Ch’in, chief executive of Singapore’s Public Utilities Board, the beer was first developed in 2018 by a local brewery as part of the International Water Week. Production continued in subsequent years, including this one. Ong reflected that “it’s part of the acceptance of the use of recycled water, which in general is a difficult topic,” highlighting the ongoing efforts to promote its acceptance.
Ong expressed satisfaction with this year’s edition, a “modern pilsner” flavor, stating with a laugh, “You know, beer is always very subjective.” Peter Rummel, director of infrastructure policy advancement at Bentley Systems, sampled the beer after a panel on water management. Hailing from Munich, known for its beer culture, Rummel remarked, “It’s fresh, light, cool. It has a nice flavor.”
Wee-Tuck Tan, the managing director of The Brewerkz Group, mentioned that they produce approximately 5,000 liters (around 15,000 cans) for each iteration of NEWBrew. He affirmed that the brewing process is the same as with other beers, resulting in a similar cost of about 7 Singaporean dollars (approximately $5 USD) per can in stores. He noted a positive shift in perception regarding NEWater among the public, as beer tends to change minds about its taste.
As global water scarcity issues become increasingly critical, the use of treated wastewater is gaining traction, noted Saroj Kumar Jha, director of the World Bank Group’s global water department. Jha, who has traveled extensively, indicates that leaders often prefer the term “used water” over “wastewater” to foster a more positive perception. After one of his panel discussions, Jha and fellow panelists raised their NEWBrews in a toast. “It’s really good,” he said, noting it was the fourth time he had enjoyed it, although he humorously clarified, “not today.”
This story corrects the date of the photograph of then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong drinking NEWater to 2002.
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