California Drought Could Change Everything for State Craft Brewers

The ongoing drought in California could force everything to change for state craft brewers. Production techniques, pricing and even taste itself could be affected.

Water is key to every brewer. Barley, hops, malt and related brewing equipment are important. But water is all important. Right now, water is getting awfully scarce.

California has over 450 micro brewers. All are being affected. Most brewers use from four to seven gallons of water to produce a gallon of beer. A few brewers are even more efficient, lowering water consumption even lower. As the drought goes on, mandatory restrictions on water use are likely to be put in place. Brewers could face required reductions as high as twenty percent.

The California craft brewing industry is surging, but water restrictions would be a tremendous burden. Limits on production would be almost certain.

Even such restrictive efforts might not be sufficient. There is even more at stake. Water shortages could affect the taste of the beer itself. Careful and creative formulizations might not be enough. As the water supply gets lower, water hardness increases. There are simply more minerals in less water. The industry may have to install new equipment to further filter out minerals.

Higher equipment costs and other related increases will assuredly affect the price of beer. In turn, higher pricing will affect market share.

The California Craft Brewer’s Association has expressed deep concern about ramifications if the drought continues for even a few more years. The industry has earned an excellent reputation for water conservation. Continuing improvements are being made. However, right now the tide seems to be always going out.

The ripple effects of the water shortage will spread far and wide. Hopefully, not too far. Hopefully, not too wide.

Contact the spare brewing parts networkers at Craft Brewery Solutions.

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