Strange brews: Making beer with Boston river water

Some of New England's leading breweries are competing to see who can turn the questionable water of Boston's Charles River into the tastiest suds.

Six area breweries have signed on for the first ever "Brew the Charles" challenge. The competition is a highlight of HUBweek, a weeklong Boston-area festival celebrating innovation in art, science and technology, starting Sept. 25.

Sponsors hope the competition helps spotlight the importance of water conservation and water-saving technologies.

Samuel Adams brewer Jennifer Glanville says the Boston beer maker is submitting a German "helles" lager to "showcase" the river water's unique character.

The Charles River Watershed Association applauds the spirit of the competition, but cautions that it's not always safe to swim in the Charles, let alone drink from it untreated.