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Pa., N.J. breweries partner with National Audubon Society to protect Delaware River Watershed

As most hopheads know, beer is mostly water. Without clean water, there is no beer.

Delco Lager from 2SP in Delco. Without clean water, there is no beer, as 2SP director of sales and marketing Mike Contreras said in a statement.
Delco Lager from 2SP in Delco. Without clean water, there is no beer, as 2SP director of sales and marketing Mike Contreras said in a statement.Read moreALEJANDRO A. ALVAREZ / Staff Photographer

About a dozen local breweries have teamed up with the National Audubon Society to create a new environmental organization that will work to promote the protection of the Delaware River Watershed, the water source area beer makers rely on to make their brews.

Known as the Brewers for the Delaware River Association, the group consists of 11 Pennsylvania and New Jersey area breweries, including Philly favorites like 2SP Brewing Company in Delaware County, and Goose Island’s Fishtown location. According to a release, the organization will participate in area events throughout the year to educate local drinkers about the importance of the Delaware River Watershed to their favorite beers.

After all, as most hopheads know, beer is mostly water. Without clean water, there is no beer, as 2SP director of sales and marketing Mike Contreras said in a statement.

“As a small brewery, it is critical that we can rely on clean water for our operation. For any brewery, if we don’t have clean water, we can’t brew beer,” Contreras said. “The Delaware River Watershed’s protection and preservation ensure we can bring beer to the region and keep tap lines flowing.”

To that end, the National Audubon Society, along with breweries based near the Delaware River Watershed, last month sent a letter to Congress asking that members support the area’s preservation through funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. Future events will be announced as warmer weather approaches, a representative said.

Aside from 2SP and Goose Island, the Brewers of the Delaware River Association also includes Baba’s Brew, Bangor Trust Brewing, Bonn Place Brewing Company, Flying Fish Brewing Co., Newtown Brewing Company, Shrewd Fox Brewery, Tannery Run Brew Works, Tuned Up Brewing Company, and Zed’s Beer Bado Brewing.

“Birds, people, and brewers all rely on clean water to survive,” Julie Hill-Gabriel, the Audubon Society’s vice president of water conservation, said. “Teaming up with local brewers … inspires economic growth for local businesses and industries that depend on the health of the watershed and its water.”