PRESS RELEASE: High quality espresso from canal water, groundbreaking water reuse project launched at Aquatech Amsterdam 2025
High quality espresso from canal water, groundbreaking water reuse project launched at Aquatech Amsterdam 2025
Amsterdam, March 12, 2025 – Natural Systems Utilities and Sodai, both part of Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI), in collaboration with renowned architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), proudly announce the launch of the Canal Café project at Aquatech 2025 in Amsterdam. This groundbreaking initiative challenges conventional thinking about water reuse, proving that alternative water sources exist everywhere—even in the canals of Venice.
Pioneering the Future of Water Reuse in Urban Environments
With Natural Systems Utilities leading system design and Sodai handling local operations, sampling, and maintenance, the project seamlessly blends sustainability, building with nature, technology, and culture to redefine urban water management.
“Water is the source of life, shaping cultures and defining cities. Canal Café — part living laboratory, part espresso bar — allows us to enjoy water in a whole new way by fusing natural and artificial processes to create an espresso uniquely tied to its place.”
– Sean A. Gallagher, DS+R Principal and Director of Sustainable Design
“There could not be a greater moment to unveil this visionary project in the ‘Venice of the North’—Amsterdam. Just as Venice and Amsterdam are intrinsically linked by their canals, they now share a common future: pioneering the next era of sustainable water management. The Canal Café embodies our group’s mission—where innovation, collaboration, and expertise converge to transform the way we think about water.”
– Menno M. Holterman, President & CEO, Nijhuis Saur Industries
Rethinking Water Reuse: #MissionWater
As the world faces water scarcity and rapid urbanization, the Canal Café serves as a powerful statement— demonstrating how brackish canal water can be transformed into high-quality espresso. This immersive experience invites the public to rethink water reuse and embrace circular solutions for the future.
Following its Aquatech debut, the Canal Café will come to life from May to November 2025 at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, a city intrinsically shaped by water. This initiative will further highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management and innovative reuse solutions.
How It Works: A Fusion of Tradition & Innovation
The Canal Café is more than just an espresso bar – it’s a showcase of innovative water purification technology. Developed by Natural Systems Utilities & Sodai, this unique system combines natural purification methods with advanced filtration to transform canal water into high-quality drinking water.
Join the Water Revolution
The Canal Café is more than a project—it’s a vision for the future. Join us at Aquatech 2025 and experience firsthand how innovative water reuse solutions can reshape urban sustainability and the integration of centralized and distributed infrastructure systems.
Curious to discover how we turn canal water into a Venetian espresso? Visit our booth during Aquatech 2025 or explore the full story on our website to learn more about the cutting-edge hybrid system that makes this possible.
About Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) | www.dsrny.com
Founded in 1904, Nijhuis Saur Industries today is one of the global water quality service providers delivering solid and adaptive solution
About Nijhuis Saur Industries | www.nijhuissaurindustries.com
Founded in 1904, Nijhuis Saur Industries today is one of the global water quality service providers delivering solid and adaptive solutions for sustainable and resilient water use, energy- and resource recovery. Since the inception of Saur’s Industrial Water platform in 2020 more than 18 companies have been successfully acquired and integrated into one global operating company supporting municipal and industrial clients in over 140 countries with engineering and consultancy services, EPC / DBFOM project execution, mobile water solutions, O&M site services and Water As A Service . With an extensive portfolio of innovative technologies and game-changing solutions, Nijhuis Saur Industries deliver local, scalable, and circular water-on-demand solutions to more than 7.000 references around the world and contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Our purpose is to be an advocate for water, ensuring everyone gives water the value it deserves. With our unique Customer for Life approach, we protect water resources, contribute to the water-, energy-, waste- and food transition, and help to restore and close the water loop. We call it #MissionWater.
NSI’s expertise is further strengthened by the integration of companies such as Natural Systems Utilities and Sodai S.p.A. Natural Systems Utilities is a leader in distributed water reclamation and turnkey reuse innovation, currently operating over 400 systems across North America, including the largest base of onsite reuse and natural treatment systems in the United States. Sodai S.p.A. specializes in the treatment of primary or wastewater and process fluids, offering tailored solutions with a sustainability-oriented approach, covering the entire lifecycle of water treatment plants including Operation & Maintenance. Together, these companies enhance NSI’s ability in this prestigious Canal Café project to convert the canal water in Venice to the best high quality espresso.
Press Contacts
Menno M. Holterman
CEO Nijhuis Saur Industries
T: +31 (0) 314 74 90 12
E: menno.holterman@nijhuisindustries.com
Sean A. Gallagher
Principal and Director of Sustainable Design DS+R
T : +1 336 687 4525
E : sgallagher@dsrny.com
