How Does Car Wash Water Recycling Work? (+ Pros and Cons)

A white car goes through an automated car wash.

Did you know the Environmental Protection Agency reports that in-bay automatic car wash systems can use up to 74.1 gallons of fresh water per vehicle? 

That's a massive impact on your car wash business's water bill. This water use only increases if your services include touch-free or hand-wash options.

Fortunately, the same EPA report adds that with car wash water recycling equipment, your in-bay automatic wash can use as little as 19.1 gallons per vehicle. This dramatic drop in water consumption grants you substantial cost savings while also benefitting the environment.

How Car Wash Recycling Systems Work: Essential Components

When you finish washing a car with fresh water, the used water contains dirt, grime, and harmful chemicals that can damage vehicles if you reuse it immediately. This dirty water can also pollute the municipal water supply if you dispose of it improperly.

You need to first clean the water by putting it through a water recycling process.

Collection of Wastewater

Water and dirt from cleaned vehicles drain into a pit system in the wash bay. This contaminated water is then held in water tanks for later treatment. 

Separation Processes

The dirty water collects in a settling tank where heavy clay and sand particles sink to the bottom, a process called sedimentation. 

In some systems, devices called hydrocyclones spin the water and force heavier particulates against the walls, separating them from the cleaner water.

Filtration Stages

Filtration systems remove any smaller particles in the water, further improving water quality.

Disinfection Treatment and Reuse

At this point, most water recycling systems introduce ozone into the filtered water. This kills bacteria and microorganisms while also eliminating odors.

Once the recycled water is completely processed, it's held in additional storage tanks for reuse during the next car wash cycle. 

Benefits of Recycling Car Wash Water

Using car wash recycling equipment offers financial, environmental, and legal benefits for your business, including: 

• Cost Savings on Water Bills: Cutting down on water use translates into cost savings for your business. This impacts your water bill and your sewer costs since you won't be producing as much contaminated water. In addition, if your water supply has contaminants, your recycling system provides a cost-effective way of treating it.
• Environmental Impact Reduction: Without a water reclamation system, the chemicals your car wash uses seep into the ground and enter the groundwater supply, lakes, oceans, and streams. A water recycling system helps mitigate this danger. 
• Compliance with Regulations: In many regions, regulatory agencies have local discharge limits and environmental standards that limit the amount of wastewater car washes can release into the environment. Filtering and reusing your wastewater makes it easy to comply with these requirements, obtain permits to stay in business, and avoid fines. 

Drawbacks and Challenges You Should Consider

While car wash water recycling will pay for itself in the long term, you need to consider some short-term challenges, including:

• Initial Car Wash Water Recycling System Cost: Outfitting your car wash with a water recycling system requires an upfront investment in new equipment. Spend time calculating how much your budget allows you to spend on a water reclamation system, considering your lower future water and sewer costs.
• Space and Equipment Constraints: Filtration tanks, pumps, and piping require space. This can be challenging if your facilities are small. In addition, a high-volume car wash needs a larger treatment system to process water efficiently. Consider underground storage, vertical stacking, or more compact systems to maximize your space use. 
• Employee Training: New equipment comes with a learning curve, which costs time and money as your team members familiarize themselves with your system. Provide hands-on practice with the control, regular maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting guidelines. Integrate this training in your onboarding process and provide training reviews to keep everyone current. 

Tips for Implementing Water Recycling in Car Washes

Before implementing a car wash water recycling system into your business, take the time to research multiple systems to see which one works best for you. Consult with a car wash system designer to see what type of equipment would fit best into your operation based on your budget, available space, and business volume.

Consider new ongoing costs you will be responsible for, including chemicals to treat the water and replacement filters. You will also pay more for electricity to power your new equipment.

Your staff members must learn how to operate your water recycling system safely. Instruct them on proper chemical storage and handling, including the importance of using personal protective equipment. Workers should know how to start and shut down the system, adjust water pressure, monitor water quality, and clean system components. 

Equipment checks should become a regular part of your work routines. Train your staff how to look for leaks and blockages. Employees should also alert you to clogged filters, pump malfunctions, or chemical imbalances. Regular system maintenance will extend the lifespan of your recycling system, saving you money and avoiding expensive repair costs. 

Choosing the Right Products to Maximize Car Wash Efficiency

Cleaning cars requires more than a water recycling system. You also need high-quality soaps and chemicals designed for wheels, tires, trim, and other vehicle surfaces. 

Your soaps need appropriate pH levels for different cleaning tasks, enabling them to remove dirt, grime, and grease without damaging a car's finish. Purchasing concentrated formulas also lets you dilute your chemicals to their ideal strength, saving you money and offering more control.

Apex Pro Formulators provides a wide selection of customizable commercial car wash chemicals for all your needs. We supply tire and wheel cleaners, presoaks, foam brush detergents, high-pressure detergents, and even a pit enzyme that controls foul odours in your reclamation system. Connect with us to see how AP Formulators can help your business.