Oregon breweries make an investment in the future of freshwater

Oregon’s pioneering spirit captured the beer industry back in the 1980’s and has since inspired brewers to not only open more breweries, but to experiment with bold and unique flavors.

With 230 brewing companies operating out of 73 cities in 2016, the beer industry contributed $4.49 billion to Oregon’s economy and employs 8,500 people. We can safely say, it’s no surprise that Oregon is recognized nationally as the beer capital of the world.

And great beer needs great water. The positive impacts of the Oregon beer industry are made possible by one of the state’s most precious resources: abundant supplies of clean, clear freshwater. Beer is 90 to 95 percent water, so it’s not an overstatement to say that water matters.

Because water and beer are so intertwined, we created the Brewers Challenge, a collaborative effort by the brewing industry to support the work of The Freshwater Trust. Since 1983, The Freshwater Trust has developed new tools and methods to protect and restore freshwater resources and has delivered actionable insights to restoration with real results.

So far, Boneyard Beer, Breakside Brewery, Crux Fermentation Project, Deschutes Brewery, Ecliptic Brewing, Full Sail Brewing Co., Gigantic Brewing Company, Heater Allen Brewing, and Hopworks Urban Brewery have joined The Freshwater Trust’s 2nd Annual Brewers Challenge, a collaborative pledge made by brewers to support our annual fundraising event, “Then. Now. Next.” on March 9, 2017. The Brewers Challenge will match contributions from individual donors at the event to leverage support for The Freshwater Trust’s efforts.

We salute their support and look forward to working together to provide a future filled with great water and great beer.

Oregon breweries can join the challenge by making a tax-deductible donation of at least $500 by the end of 2017.

Will you join the challenge? Contact Andy Meeks at andy@thefreshwatertrust.org or 503-222-9092 x58.