High quality
water is an essential ingredient throughout Anheuser-Buschs
(A-B) value chain, from irrigation water for grain crops
to brewing water for beer. To ensure that sufficient
organizational attention focuses on water conservation
and other water issues, AB is engaging multiple parts
of the organization in developing and implementing the
companys water strategy.
Operations-focused solutions.
Facility personnel play a major role in identifying
and implementing water conservation initiatives. With
corporate assistance, AB facilities have installed water
meters and information systems to provide facility personnel
with real-time information on water use throughout facility
processes. AB facilities use this information to develop
a roadmap of water uses and flow rates,
using a "materials balance" approach. Process
engineers, utility conservation engineers, and other
specialists from the facility and corporate EHS use
these roadmaps to identify specific water-saving opportunities.
For example, in 2000, a multi-disciplinary Utilities
Task Force at ABs Williamsburg, Virginia brewery
identified opportunities to save over 175 million gallons
per year. A review of the facilitys automated
cleaning processes revealed an opportunity to reduce
rinse water by 36 million gallons per year. In addition,
at an employees suggestion, bottle and can rinsing
equipment in the packaging area was recalibrated, saving
24 million gallons of water annually.
Brewmasters and water reliability.
AB brewmasters play an essential role in assuring the
long-term reliability of local water supplies. Brewmasters
are responsible for building relationships with local
water utilities and suppliers to help ensure that local
water sources are managed in a sustainable manner. AB
has developed a water reliability survey of long-term
fundamentals to assist plant staff in working
and planning with local water supply managers to maintain
the health and reliability of local and regional water
sources.
Corporate support. AB established
a Corporate Water Council to support and coordinate
efforts across the company to address water opportunities
and risks. The Council meets quarterly to discuss emerging
water issues, opportunities, and the companys
progress toward addressing water challenges.

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