OCWD and OC San Unveil GWRS Brew Made with Purified Recycled Water by Orange County Water District Apr 1, 2026 Member Submitted News The Orange County Water District (OCWD) and the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) unveiled a commemorative, limited-edition beer made with purified recycled water from the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) during the 2026 WateReuse Symposium in Los Angeles. The beer, called GWRS Brew, was produced by Anaheim-based Brewery X and sponsored by H2O Innovations. “GWRS Brew is a creative way to highlight the innovation behind the Groundwater Replenishment System,” said OCWD Board President Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E. “For nearly two decades, GWRS has helped establish the global roadmap for potable reuse, from engineering and operations to public outreach. As the industry leader, we remain committed to advancing water recycling and strengthening reliable local water supplies.” Online since 2008, GWRS is the world’s largest water purification system for indirect potable reuse. Developed through a partnership between OCWD and OC San, the system recycles 100% of OC San’s reclaimable wastewater and produces up to 130 million gallons of high-quality water each day through an advanced, multi-step treatment process. The purified water replenishes the Orange County Groundwater Basin, the primary drinking water supply for 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. “The GWRS demonstrates how strong partnerships and advanced infrastructure can transform wastewater into a reliable, drought-resilient water supply,” said OC San Board Chairperson Ryan Gallagher. “This collaboration between OC San and OCWD continues to serve as a model for communities worldwide working to secure their water future through reuse.” GWRS Brew also highlights the project’s legacy of innovation and public engagement. OCWD leads GWRS operations and outreach and has welcomed more than 60,000 visitors from around the world to see the purification process firsthand. Since its inception, GWRS has produced more than 500 billion gallons of water and earned nearly 100 state, national and international awards. The GWRS Brew tagline, The First True Pure Water, pays tribute to Orange County’s pioneering leadership in water recycling. The phrase recognizes the legacy of the GWRS and its predecessor, Water Factory 21, a groundbreaking project launched in the 1970s that helped lay the foundation for modern potable reuse. OCWD and OC San regularly host delegations from around the world and water industry professionals from across the United States, sharing technical expertise and lessons learned to help guide future potable reuse projects. For more information about the GWRS or to schedule a facility tour, visit www.ocwd.com/gwrs.
