Cambrian, a water treatment technology company, and Anheuser-Busch have been named finalists for the 2025 Global Water Awards' Industrial Project of the Year. The nomination recognizes a pioneering water reuse project at Anheuser-Busch's Houston brewery that demonstrates a novel approach to industrial water management.
The project features a modular treatment system capable of processing 400,000 gallons of high-strength wastewater daily, converting effluent into EPA-quality water for non-potable reuse. Under Cambrian's Water-Energy Purchase Agreement (WEPA) model, the company designed, financed, and now operates the system without requiring upfront capital investment from Anheuser-Busch.
The environmental and economic benefits are significant. Over the 20-year contract, the system is expected to treat 3.45 billion gallons of water, reduce water and wastewater costs by 20%, and avoid more than 23,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. Additionally, the project will eliminate approximately 1,230 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to removing over 260 cars from the road.
This innovative approach demonstrates a sustainable water management strategy that aligns environmental responsibility with economic efficiency. By embedding specialized personnel on-site and charging only by the gallon treated, Cambrian eliminates capital and maintenance burdens for Anheuser-Busch while providing a scalable solution for industrial water reuse.
The Global Water Awards, presented by Global Water Intelligence, recognize the most important achievements in the international water industry. The Industrial Project of the Year category highlights projects making significant contributions to water sustainability in the industrial sector.
