Charlotte Water, Breweries Partner to Brew Beer & Kombucha with Recycled Water

Charlotte Water, in partnership with Lenny Boy Brewing, Town Brewing Company, and Xylem, is proud to announce the next phase of QC Water, the region’s groundbreaking initiative showcasing what’s possible with highly purified recycled water. This year marks a first for QC Water: the debut of Crown Bucha, a crisp, probiotic-rich kombucha crafted by Lenny Boy Brewing with bright notes of raspberry, lemon and ginger. Alongside it comes Renew Brew Fall Classic Märzen Lager, a malty Oktoberfest-style seasonal from Town Brewing. Sharing the Renew Brew name of Town’s award-winning Pale Ale, this Fall Classic Märzen stands on its own as a distinct seasonal crafted to celebrate fall.

The official launch will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, with coordinated release events at Town Brewing and Lenny Boy Brewing. Highlights include a free yoga class powered by Charlotte Water, plus activations throughout the month where the public can sample both the Crown Bucha and Renew Brew Fall Classic Märzen Lager.

“QC Water is about rethinking what’s possible with water,” said Angela Charles, Charlotte Water Director. “With each new product, we’re showing Charlotte — and the world — that recycled water is not only safe, but exceptional. Crown Bucha and Renew Brew demonstrate how science, sustainability and local creativity can come together in a way that’s refreshing and inspiring. Most importantly, these collaborations engage our community in the conversation about innovation and sustainability, showing that Charlotte is leading by example.” Charlotte Water extends its gratitude to City Council and our community for their continued support, which makes innovative efforts like QC Water possible.

QC Water starts as treated effluent from Charlotte Water’s McDowell Water Resource Recovery Facility, then undergoes state-of-the-art purification with Xylem technology — including carbon filtering, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation. The result is a sustainable water source that exceeds Safe Drinking Water Act standards and has been rigorously tested for more than 150 potential contaminants.

“Crown Bucha represents everything Lenny Boy stands for: clean, organic ingredients and innovative brewing,” said Townes Mozer, Owner and Founder of Lenny Boy Brewing Company. “We wanted to be part of QC Water because it pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in brewing while supporting a more sustainable future for Charlotte. Using QC Water for kombucha proves that recycled water can fuel not just beer, but functional, probiotic-rich drinks that people enjoy every day.”

“Renew Brew was an incredible way to show what clean, recycled water can become, and the response from our community has been inspiring,” said Brandon Stirewalt, Director of Operations at Town Brewing Company. “We wanted to create the Fall Classic Märzen Lager as a way to keep that momentum going and highlight the versatility of QC Water. Brewing a seasonal spinoff lets us continue telling the story of sustainability and innovation while offering Charlotte beer lovers something new to enjoy.”

Globally, advanced water reuse is gaining traction as communities face challenges from climate change and population growth. By brewing kombucha and beer with recycled water, Charlotte Water is sparking an approachable, community-driven conversation about water security.

“QC Water is a great example of innovation and sustainability coming together in a way that’s bold, local and fun,” said Emma Housman, Sr. Director of Sustainability at Xylem. “At Xylem, we’re proud our technologies enable partners like Charlotte Water to turn creative ideas — like advancing water reuse or brewing something special for the community — into lasting impact. “

 QC Water Event & Activation Highlights

• Sept. 13 — Launch day at Town Brewing + Lenny Boy Brewing
  • 10 – 11 a.m.: Lenny Boy Yoga powered by Charlotte Water (first 100 yogis free). All attendees receive a 5 oz. sample of Crown Bucha.
  • 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.: Town Brewing Blocktoberfest featuring Renew Brew Fall Classic Märzen Lager.
• Sept. 20 — Lenny Boy Brewing sampling Crown Bucha kombucha at U.S. National Whitewater Center’s Flow Fest.
• Sept. 27 — Town Brewing’s 7th Anniversary celebration.

About Charlotte Water

For more than a century, Charlotte Water has been the largest water and wastewater service provider in the Carolinas. Operated by the City of Charlotte, the utility treats more than 124 million gallons of water daily for approximately one million residents and visitors from Davidson to Pineville. Charlotte Water works 24 hours a day to provide clean water, maintain more than 9,300 miles of pipe, and treat the community’s wastewater. 

Learn More: Charlottewater.org |Facebook |Twitter | Blog | YouTube |Instagram 

About Lenny Boy Brewing

Founded in 2011, Lenny Boy Brewing Co. is Charlotte’s only producer of certified organic kombucha, while also crafting a wide range of beers. From its South End brewery and taproom, Lenny Boy has grown into a hub for healthy living, creative brewing and community connection. Learn more at www.discoverlennyboy.com.

About Town Brewing

Since opening in 2018, Town Brewing Co. has become a cherished fixture in the Charlotte craft beer scene. With a huge outdoor space, stunning brick bar backdrop and an all-over Americana vibe, Town has seen a major distribution expansion into multiple markets statewide in North Carolina and upper South Carolina. The taproom’s grand 24-tap system sports small batch brews along with flagships and seasonals that include Broken Tarted Raspberry Hibiscus Sour, Spratt’s Lager, Disco Hop IPA, Hazy Behavior IPA and Sweet Carolina Pie.

About Xylem

Xylem (XYL) is a Fortune 500 leading global water solutions company that empowers customers and communities to build a more water-secure world. Our 23,000 diverse employees delivered revenue of $8.6 billion in 2024, optimizing water and resource management with innovation and expertise. Join us at www.xylem.com and let’s solve water. Learn More: LinkedIn |Twitter| YouTube | Facebook  | Instagram