Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ At the 29th United Nations climate talks in Azerbaijan, a surprising and innovative product from Singapore has captured the attention of delegates and environmentalists across the world. Accordingly, in the vibrant Singapore pavilion, amidst the more conventional displays, a modest counter featuring small aqua and purple cans caught the attention. Upon closer inspection, the cans labeled as NEWBrew revealed a unique product. Surprisingly, Singapore boldly brewed NEWBrew with treated wastewater to raise awareness about the global water crisis.
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Made from NEWater, Singapore’s brand of purified, recycled water, NEWBrew has garnered considerable attention for its unconventional yet effective use of treated sewage. This innovative beer is part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to address water scarcity and promote sustainable practices, especially in light of the growing water demands in water-starved regions around the world. Moreover, the idea behind NEWBrew beer is not just to create an unusual beverage but to spark conversations about the importance of water recycling. At COP29, a key platform for addressing climate change, the sewage beer served as a symbol of how Singapore has transformed wastewater treatment into a solution for one of the most pressing global issues of water scarcity.
A surprising sip of sewage beer
For many of the conference attendees, the idea of drinking beer made from treated wastewater was unusual. Ignace Urchil Lokouako Mbouamboua, an international relations student from Congo, shared his surprise after tasting the beer. He said, “I didn’t know. I was really surprised,” expressing his positive impression. He added, “I can even suggest that they make more and more of this kind of beer,” revealing that it was his third day in a row stopping for a can of NEWBrew beer.
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NEWBrew is not just a beer; it is a conversation starter and a tool for environmental education. By using NEWater, which is purified wastewater subjected to advanced treatment processes, Singapore is challenging conventional perceptions about what is safe and drinkable. NEWater has been in operation for several years in Singapore for various purposes, including drinking water, and has consistently met international standards for potable water. By brewing beer with this treated water, Singapore is not only promoting water conservation but also normalizing the idea of reusing wastewater in everyday life.
A milestone in sustainable water practices
Singapore has long been a leader in water management, using a mix of innovative techniques to meet the needs of its 6 million residents in a land-scarce, water-stressed country. In addition to desalination and water imports from Malaysia, recycling wastewater into clean water through the NEWater program has become a key pillar of Singapore’s strategy to secure its water future. The concept of using treated wastewater in beer brewing first emerged in 2018 when a local brewery partnered with the Public Utilities Board (PUB) to develop NEWBrew. The goal was to promote awareness about water reuse at the biennial Singapore International Water Week. Since then, the brewery has produced several batches of the beer, with the most recent batch making its way to COP29.
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Ong Tze-Ch’in, the chief executive of PUB, shared that the collaboration with the local brewery was part of a broader initiative to change public perceptions about recycled water. He explained, “It’s part of the acceptance of the use of recycled water, which in general is a difficult topic”. Ong, who was involved in selecting the beer’s flavor, also noted that beer is a highly subjective product. He said, “Beer is always very subjective,” though he expressed satisfaction with the beer’s light, modern pilsner style.
A major change in public perception
The Brewerkz Group, which brews NEWBrew, employs a similar brewing process for each batch, according to Wee-Tuck Tan, managing director. NEWBrew, with its secret ingredient, retails at about 7 Singapore dollars (roughly $5 USD) per can, pricing it similarly to regular beers. Tan believes the beer has played a role in changing attitudes toward recycled water. He said, “When put into a beer, it changes the mindset”. He noted that many people are unable to tell the difference in taste between NEWBrew and conventional beer. He admitted saying, “They think it tastes funny”. But ultimately, the beer’s smooth, toasted, honey-like aftertaste seemed to win over many drinkers.
International experts also weighed in on the beverage’s impact. Accordingly, Saroj Kumar Jha, director of the World Bank Group’s global water department, praised the beer’s role in shifting perceptions about treated wastewater. Jha, who has traveled extensively to over 50 countries, mentioned that leaders often encourage referring to wastewater as “used water” to avoid negative associations with the term “sewage.” After attending a water management panel at the Singapore pavilion, Jha toasted with a can of NEWBrew, declaring, “It’s really good.”
A solution to the global water crisis
Singapore’s innovation with NEWBrew is part of a broader push to address the global water crisis. As the world’s population grows and climate change exacerbates water scarcity, countries like Singapore are showing the potential of creative solutions, from wastewater recycling to desalination, to meet future water needs. NEWBrew is more than just a novelty; it is a tangible example of how science, sustainability, and technology can converge to tackle one of the most critical challenges facing the planet. Furthermore, the message behind NEWBrew is clear: the world must rethink its approach to water, especially in water-starved regions. This beer is not only an environmentally friendly product but also a tool for awareness.
As Ryan Yuen, managing director of the Singapore International Water Week, put it, NEWBrew could be Singapore’s “greenest beer,” highlighting the importance of recycling and reusing water for a sustainable future. In a world where fresh water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, Singapore’s innovative approach to using treated wastewater in beer production could very well become a model for other nations facing similar challenges. As climate change intensifies, solutions like NEWBrew may play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of clean, sustainable water for generations to come.
