Without a doubt, the car wash industry is dependent on water. Car washes use a large amount of water each day, which can easily add up to thousands of dollars in water and sewer costs. As sources of freshwater are depleted, resulting in higher water and sewer costs, many car wash owners have turned to water reclaim systems to help them recycle used wash water. 

Water recycling technology has made great strides in recent years. Closed-loop water reclaim systems can now recycle 100% of used wash water for reuse in future washes. This allows car washes to operate in regions with high water and sewer costs and strict water and sewer regulations and restrictions. Closed-loop water reclaim systems allow car washes to continue recycling and using used wash water, with only 5-10% of water loss per vehicle through evaporation and carry out. This greatly decreases the amount of fresh water needed per wash, and allows washes to operate with zero discharge.

In the past, there were several barriers that car wash owners faced when implementing closed-loop water reclaim systems, including size, maintenance, and cost of equipment. As these systems have advanced technologically, they have become much more of a reality for many washes. Many of the systems are now equipped with modern electronics that make maintenance and troubleshooting much easier than before. They can also be custom-sized to fit a new or existing wash, and have become an affordable and smart option for many washes, providing a positive return on investment within a few months or years.

When choosing a closed-loop water reclaim system, it is important to research the various options available. Contact other car wash owners and operators that are using the system(s) you’re interested in, and ask about their experiences. Make sure that you choose a closed-loop system supplier that provides professional, reliable support for installation, upgrades, and maintenance.  Consider what your wash’s specific requirements are, and look for a water reclaim system manufacturer that can make sure your needs are met.

Once installed, a closed-loop water reclaim system will need to be properly monitored and maintained to provide the best results.  Generally, a small amount (30-45 minutes) of weekly and monthly maintenance will need to be done, with a larger amount of maintenance (4-5 hours) performed a few times a year. Some systems require even less maintenance, needing nutrients added to the system quarterly and filter changes annually. With a proper maintenance schedule, a closed-loop water reclaim system can be an efficient and effective tool for saving lots of money on water and sewer costs, while also decreasing adverse environmental impact.