Why Hawaiʻi is turning to water recycling to solve its water challenges

Hawaiʻi is facing growing challenges when it comes to freshwater availability. Declining rainfall, aging infrastructure, groundwater contamination from cesspools, and increasing demand are reshaping how the islands manage one of their most valuable resources. As these pressures continue to grow, onsite water recycling is emerging as a key strategy for strengthening long-term water resilience. Our latest blog explores why water reuse is gaining momentum across the state and how Kuilei Place and Ālia have paved the regulatory pathway to become Hawaiʻi’s first two permitted onsite greywater reuse systems. 

California’s water future is being shaped by efficiency and reuse

California has already proven that economic growth doesn't have to come at the expense of water resources. The question now is: How do we keep that momentum going?

A new report from the Pacific Institute highlights remarkable progress over the past six decades. Since 1967, California's population has more than doubled and its economy has grown sixfold, yet total water use has increased by less than 20%.

Agriculture still accounts for about 80% of the state's developed water supply while urban water use makes up the remaining 20%. The next opportunity lies within our buildings. By capturing, treating, and reusing water onsite, communities can push efficiency further within that 20% urban share, especially in hotter, higher-use regions where the gap still has the most room to close.

Changing perceptions around water reuse, one can at a time

What started as an experiment in public education has become a powerful conversation starter. Our recycled water beers, Shower Hour IPA and Laundry Club Kölsch, were created to show that water should be judged by its quality, not its history. Since launching last fall, we’ve sold more than 23,000 cans, expanded into 100+ retail locations, and even outsold some of the world’s biggest beer brands at major events.

It’s proof that firsthand experiences can help build trust in water reuse and spark conversations about the future of our water.

The benefits of rainwater capture and reuse

Rain is more than just weather, it’s an opportunity. By capturing and reusing rainwater and stormwater for non-potable applications like irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, and cooling, buildings can reduce water demand, lower operating costs, and strengthen resilience against drought and infrastructure challenges.

Cities across the U.S. are already encouraging or requiring rainwater harvesting as part of their water conservation and stormwater management strategies, recognizing its role in creating more sustainable, climate-resilient communities. 

An in-depth look at how municipal rate hikes are eroding NOI, and how onsite water reuse can protect asset value

Across the U.S., municipalities are locking in multi-year sewer rate increases to fund aging infrastructure. In Los Angeles, sewer charges are more than doubling by 2028. In Honolulu, rates will rise 115% by 2035. San Diego, San Francisco, Baltimore, Seattle, and many other cities are following the same trajectory. You can't negotiate them, optimize around them, or absorb them indefinitely without impact.

For building owners and developers, these escalating costs can directly erode Net Operating Income (NOI), an important metric for determining property value, debt service coverage, and investor returns. For a 1,000-unit multifamily building in Los Angeles, the value swings by roughly $14.4M between a "do nothing" scenario and deploying an onsite reuse system at a 5% cap rate. Read more in our white paper. 

Learn about onsite water reuse and earn 1 LU/HSW credit

Interested in incorporating onsite water recycling into your next project? Led by Epic Cleantec’s Eric Hough and Sunni Wissmer, this webinar explores system components, treatment processes, and planning considerations, helping architects, engineers, and developers understand how onsite water reuse can reduce water consumption, lower costs, and support sustainability goals. Join us August 13 at noon PST and earn 1 LU/HSW credit.