April 30, 2025
From an American Manufacturer to American Communities in Need: ĢƵ-Busch Produces its 100 Millionth Can of Emergency Drinking Water
Production underscores ĢƵ-Busch's longstanding commitment to leveraging its American beer business to support disaster relief and preparedness efforts nationwide
Access to clean drinking water can make all the difference in times of need, whether as a lifeline in the wake of a wildfire, hurricane or flood – or to help first responders prepare before a disaster strikes. Decades ago, ĢƵ-Busch first paused production of our American beers to produce emergency drinking water, a critical resource that provides relief to communities across the U.S. when they need it most. In the years since, these efforts have become embedded into the very fabric of who we are and how we operate, giving us the ability to deliver clean, safe drinking water to impacted communities anywhere in the country at a moment’s notice.
Since 1988, ĢƵ-Busch has produced more than 100 million cans of emergency drinking water – enough water to reach coast to coast across the U.S. and almost back again. This legacy of showing up for our neighbors in times of need has been a longstanding tradition at ĢƵ-Busch, highlighting the meaningful way that manufacturing our beer in America has allowed us to do so.
Throughout ĢƵ-Busch's history, we have continued to leverage our unique capabilities, the scale of our operations and our local presence in countless markets nationwide to evolve our efforts into a sophisticated response network spanning nearly every corner of the United States. The fact that 99% of the beers we sell in the U.S. are made in the U.S., using nearly all American-grown ingredients, isn’t just a reminder of our heritage, it’s a confirmation that we have the reach, the infrastructure, the people and the heart to respond to American communities in times of need.
As the 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water is produced at our brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado ahead of wildfire season this summer, we reflect on the dedication of our people and partners in bringing 1.2 billion ounces of water to the right places at the right times.
The Origin Story
Long before the Emergency Drinking Water initiative was formalized in 1988, ĢƵ-Busch recognized we could use our manufacturing expertise and reach to support disaster relief efforts around the country.
In September 1960, Hurricane Donna hit the Florida Keys and ĢƵ-Busch responded by canning 500 cases of emergency drinking water overnight and shipping them from Miami the following morning. As soon as our ĢƵ-Busch plant manager and South Florida wholesaler partner realized the brewery’s tap line could be temporarily used to can water, “Operation Water” was born, starting a tradition of tapping our local facilities and brewery networks across the country to quickly act during a crisis.
The impacted community responded with deep gratitude. One of the recipients of the water told his local newspaper that “helping people when they need help is one thing that makes life worth living.”
“We Can’t Predict, But We Can Prepare”
Quick responses are crucial, but equally important is the advance preparation that can help to lessen the impact of unpredictable natural disasters. In the late 1970s, as weather broadcasts became increasingly accessible, we made a point to adopt the mindset of “we can’t always predict when disaster strikes, but we can prepare.”
In 1979, we put that mindset to action when our Houston brewery proactively sent drinking water cans to Jackson, Mississippi in anticipation that the area’s clean water supply would be contaminated following flooding of the Pearl River in other parts of the state. Some of the water was used to supply volunteer first responders who were building levees in the area.
Growing the Emergency Drinking Water Initiative
After years of donations and support, ĢƵ-Busch officially formalized the water donation program in 1988.
Our American facilities, our vast wholesaler network and our trusted partners such as the American Red Cross, have shown up for our neighbors countless times in our country’s history. From delivering more than 9 million cans of emergency drinking water in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to our more recent donations of more than 1 million cans to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene across the Southeast, our Emergency Drinking Water initiative has allowed us to meet the need whenever and wherever it has arisen.
In 2019, with an increased focus on preparedness, ĢƵ-Busch expanded the initiative to support volunteer firefighters in America. Every year, we partner with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to supply volunteer fire departments with this scarce resource ahead of wildfire season when fires become more frequent. Over the last six years, we have distributed millions of cans of water to over 3,100 fire departments across almost all 50 U.S. states.
Our Future of Commitment
In 2025, we are marking a significant moment in our longstanding history of support for disaster relief efforts across the country – 100 million cans of emergency drinking water produced for communities in need.
We would never have this kind of lasting impact in the communities where we live and work without the dedication of our breweries, our people and our dedicated partners and wholesaler network. From the tap lines to the front lines, the Emergency Drinking Water initiative has expanded the limits of what an American beer company can be.
ĢƵ-Busch remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting American communities. Because American beer means more than beer—it means serving those who mean the world to us.
ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH
At ĢƵ-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. For more than 165 years, we have delivered a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. As a leading American manufacturer, we drive economic prosperity nationwide through investments in our people, facilities, and communities.
We are home to the nation’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Cutwater, as well as industry-leading regional craft brands. From our longstanding efforts to support American farmers, military, veterans, and first responders, to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our commitment to the communities we call home and the 65,000 hardworking Americans who bring our beer to life. For more information, visit or follow ĢƵ-Busch on ,,, and.
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