Cambrian, a water reuse technology company, has been honored with a prestigious Global Water Awards distinction for its transformative water treatment project with Anheuser-Busch, showcasing a new paradigm in industrial water management that could reshape how companies approach environmental sustainability.
The project, implemented at Anheuser-Busch's Houston brewery, utilizes Cambrian's BlueCycle™ membrane bioreactor system to treat over 400,000 gallons of high-strength wastewater daily. By implementing advanced treatment techniques, the system produces water of drinking water quality that can be reused for non-potable purposes, dramatically reducing the brewery's freshwater consumption.
What sets this project apart is its innovative financial model, known as a Water-Energy Purchase Agreement (WEPA). Under this approach, Cambrian financed, constructed, and now operates the water treatment system without requiring any upfront capital investment from Anheuser-Busch. The company charges only for the volume of water treated, with embedded personnel managing operations and ensuring consistent performance.
The potential environmental impact is substantial. Over its 20-year contract term, the system is projected to treat 3.45 billion gallons of water, lower water and wastewater costs by 20%, and prevent more than 23,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This represents a significant stride toward industrial water conservation and climate change mitigation.
The project emerged through Anheuser-Busch's 100+ Accelerator sustainability innovation platform and marks the first full-scale deployment of Cambrian's WEPA model in the beverage industry. Its recognition by the Global Water Awards underscores a growing industry trend toward outcomes-based infrastructure that intrinsically links environmental performance with economic value.
By demonstrating that environmental stewardship can be economically viable, this project offers a compelling model for other industrial sectors seeking to reduce their water footprint and operational costs. The collaboration highlights how strategic partnerships and innovative technologies can drive meaningful sustainability transformations in resource-intensive industries.
