Conserving a valuable resource, such as water, isn’t just a trend. It is a necessity because of global warming. Several businesses focus on going green and reducing emissions, but the car wash industry faces a distinct challenge: conserving water. Utilizing advanced water recycling systems is a smart investment that benefits both the environment and customers.
What is Water Recycling?
Water recycling in a car wash setting is the process of capturing, filtering, and reusing the water after a wash cycle. The traditional car wash uses up to 70 gallons of fresh water per vehicle, which usually goes down the drain after just one use. The technology used in the water recycling system enables companies to significantly reduce that number. Up to 80% of the water used in each wash is saved, which helps to conserve the plant’s most valuable resource.
How Does It Work?
You must be wondering how dirty water can be reused to clean another car. Here is a step-by-step process of the water recycling system:
Capture
There is a collection of water from each wash with the help of drains built into the tunnel’s floor. This water is then directed to a series of underground storage tanks. The water is captured, and next comes the separation process.
Separation
The tanks in which the water is collected separate the heavy solids, like debris, dirt, and sand, from the water and move it towards the next process of the system.
Filtration
The water passes through several filtration systems, such as oil-water separators, media filters, and biological treatments that remove contaminants, like soap, waxes, and oils.
Disinfection
This is an optional step; however, depending on the system design and regulations, UV light is used to kill bacteria or neutralize any odors that are present in the water.
Reuse
The treated water is pumped back into the washing system while fresh water is reserved for the final rinse in order to ensure a sparkling finish.
Benefits of Water Recycling System
There are several environmental benefits and business advantages of using a water recycling system. Some of them are given below:
Water conservation
This is one of the most obvious benefits: saving thousands of gallons of water every week. For instance, if we recycle 50 gallons per car and serve 300 cars on a daily basis, we save 15,000 gallons every day, which is over 5 million gallons per year. This is one of the most significant advantages of the water recycling system, which supports sustainability by integrating water recycling in our daily operations.
Reduced utility costs
We all know that water is not free. However, recycling what we use is seen as a significant advantage due to lower sewer bills. This way, prices can be kept competitive and utility costs can be saved.
Lower impact on local water systems
Using less and less fresh water means less demand on municipal supplies, especially in areas that are prone to water shortages or drought. Not only does it help conserve water, but it also means that less wastewater is discharged into public systems. This can drastically reduce pollution and treatment loads.
To Sum It Up
Water recycling may be happening behind the scenes, but its impact is huge. Many industries are becoming aware of the environmental impact they have, but water use is often overlooked.
Contact Cadillac Express Car Wash and get your car washed with efficiency. We prioritize the environment as well as the satisfaction of our customers.