Water is gradually becoming a scarce resource today, with national water rates rising by an average of 9 percent annually. With harsh regulatory and environmental constraints affecting these hurdles, the world’s economic future may rely on how efficiently we, as entrepreneurs, manage water resources today.
Since water is becoming such a precious resource, a good number of pressure washing companies are beginning to provide water reclamation services to keep local watersheds clean, reduce the effect on the local water supply and meet environmental standards.
Just the same way most people leverage a rain barrel at home to catch the water that runs off their roof, pressure-washing companies also capture the wastewater they produce when carrying out their duties. To be reclaimed and recycled, water produced during pressure washing is passed through a series of filters and into a holding tank for reuse or disposal.
Although this water is still not ideal for drinking, it is safe to use for landscaping, irrigation, toilets, making artificial bodies of water, mixing concrete, washing equipment, and more. With a well-designed water reclamation system, the treated wastewater will be of high enough quality and safe for human exposure.
Most often, the water reclamation systems used by pressure washing companies are stand-alone operations that work in tandem with other pressure washing equipment.
Not all water reclamation systems are the same, but most of them draw water from large settling tanks in the pressure wash, process the water to remove contaminants and chemicals, treat the water for bad odor, and send the processed water back to the wash system for reuse.
Sand and clay particles (and any other solids) in the water that can damage surface areas are allowed to settle and are removed.
Reasons Why Pressure Washing Companies Use Water Reclamation Services
Water reclamation systems are designed to separate, treat, and filter oils, solids, and trace amounts of chemicals leaving the water clean enough to reuse by the pressure washing company. Here are some of the key reasons why pressure washing companies use water reclamation services in the United States.
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It’s the law
In the US and Canada, there are state, federal and province-specific laws that stipulate what can go into sewers and storm drains. Have it in mind that pressure washing companies reclaim wastewater to protect the environment and also to stay in compliance with environmental laws.
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Reduce pollution
According to experts, the wastewaters produced as a byproduct of pressure washing tend to contain biological and chemical pollutants that may become a threat to groundwater and local watersheds. Capturing the water will ensure that only stormwater goes into a municipal drain system.
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Reduce the demand on local water supplies
Just like it was noted above, as the demand for freshwater increases, water shortages will definitely continue and will likely pose a critical issue soon. Using reclaimed water helps increase the amount of water usable for homes and natural habitats.
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Reduced operating costs
In Canada and the US, customers tend to be charged for the amount of water used and sent down the drain. Water reclamation services help reduce these costs, letting pressure-washing companies pass the saving onto customers.
Steps to Reclaim Water from Pressure Washing
Unless you’re only using your pressure washer to clean your gutters once a year and you only use clear water, you will need some type of water recovery system.
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Follow the guidelines
To reclaim and recycle water, you first have to install a water reclamation system in your wash area or leverage a mobile system.
However, it is imperative to know what kind of system your city or your country allows. Endeavor to check out the guidelines and follow them accordingly. What you won’t want is to have your recycling in place and law enforcement knocking on your door.
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Decide the water reclamation system to install
There are numerous water reclamation systems to consider, however, this will depend on your purpose and the business model you intend to operate. One option is a water evacuation system, that collects and transfers wastewater.
You can also select from a gas-powered option that doesn’t need any type of outside power, or an electric-powered option if you will mostly be using it where you have easy access to electricity. Another option is a vacuum that sucks the water up quickly.
If you run a mobile pressure washing business, you can also leverage mobile treatment units that perform primary water treatment steps.
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Choose Where to Install Your System
Truth be told, reclaimed water can be used for a vast range of activities and pretty much anywhere. Since you can also use it to carry out other pressure washing jobs, it is imperative to choose a location in your business or yard that suits the purpose.
In addition, where the system will be installed should be lower than the installed system so that water won’t have any problems flowing to its destination. It is important that the place where the system will be installed has good plumbing accessibility and is not full of chemicals or other harmful substances.
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System maintenance
For a good number of water reclamation systems, very little maintenance is necessary. However, a yearly routine inspection is advisable and a good way to help ensure your system is running at its optimal capacity. Some systems boast of a feature that lets you know when to change the filter, which takes the guesswork out of the process.
Be sure to check with your manufacturer on how often to maintain your system. Just as you need to bring your car in for oil changes and rotate your tires, your water reclamation system will work at its best when you are taking care of it routinely.
Top Water Reclamation and Filtration Systems for Pressure Washing Companies
It is becoming very necessary to protect local water systems and also for pressure washing companies to follow their local regulations regarding industrial wastewater and how to dispose of it. A good number of businesses are faced with complicated compliance issues and watershed regulations, yet are prone to fines and penalties for not complying. Here are good water reclamation systems for pressure washing companies;
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Landa MWP Recovery System MWP-30E
This water reclamation system stops wash water from going down the drain or away from the work area by collecting the wastewater. This machine’s small footprint makes it easy to be mounted on a trailer.
It also lets you be in full control of water flow with the optional water dikes and drain covers used to stop water from flowing down a drain or away from your site. Also note that this Landa MWP-30E system helps the environment while staying compliant, as many cities and states require wash water recovery.
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SCE Mobile Filtration System (MFS)
According to reports, the MFS is made to be used as a portable or stationary treatment system that ensures very good results with ease of service while reducing disposal costs. Have it in mind that this automatic and easy-to-use zero or controlled discharge system has been uniquely made to ensure that businesses keep operating without expensive filter cost, downtime, and additional manpower.
The MFS also features a portable wheel kit for specific sight portability or with ease fit into pick-up trucks, vans, or on trailers. Other features of this machine include;
- 8-MFS-1 model
- 8 GPM pump transfer
- Dual vacuum
- Dual pump-out
- HP high efficiency
- 224 CFM stage 2
- 50-gallon tank capacity
- Discharge Point of Choice
- 17 Stages of Filtration
- Small Compact Design
- Simple to Operate, Easy to Maintain
- Minimal Operational Costs, Minimal Disposal Costs
- 120 Volt, Low Amperage
- High Volume Performance
- On/Off switches with High/Low water safety control
- Dual pressure gauges, inlet, and outlet of canister module
- Override momentary contact for manual pump-out
- 50′ vacuum hose
- 8 gallons per minute (GPM) system flow capacity
- 50-gallon tank capacity
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Karcher Mississippi Recovery
Note that you can do away with the problem of wastewater by leveraging the Karcher Mississippi Recovery series known to be very capable of recovering and transferring up to 30 GPM of water to a holding tank. Its small footprint also entails that the Mississippi can be mounted on a single axle trailer.
It also enables you to be fully in control of water flow with the optional water dikes and drain covers to limit water from flowing down a drain or away from your site. Other features of this machine include;
- 27-gallon tank vacuum
- 50′ of high temperature 2″ vacuum hose
- Scupper head
- Simple curbside controls for easy use and compact design
- 15′ power cord for an extended reach
- High-density polyethylene recovery tank for excellent thermal and chemical resistance, excellent impact resistance, and UV protection for longer life.
- The tank holds 27 gallons of water and has an optional caster wheel kit for easy site mobility
- Power options 120v 15amp or can be run off a 3500-watt generator
- High water shutdown to protect the unit
- Plumb the bulkhead fitting to an auxiliary tank for larger volume recovery needs
- 3 stage vacuum motor delivers 100 CFM, 100″ sealed lift vacuum for a constant pull. The unit is rated for water up to 120° F and compatible with surface cleaners and hot water machines
- Quick access through the top of the unit to filter basket to catch solids
- Reliable 120v transfer pump capable of transferring 30 GPM of water to the holding tank
- Integrated molded handles provide a solid grip and easy loading and transportation
- Bolt-on mounting system configured on the base to mount to a trailer for portability from site to site transportation
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WB High-Efficiency Wastewater Evaporator
Boasting a 96% efficiency rate, the WaterMaze WB High-Efficiency Wastewater Evaporator remains one of the best evaporators on the market.
It comes with top-of-the-line immersion tube jet burner components, with a solid-state flame control monitor, and is very capable of creating temperatures of about 2000°F, releasing hot flue gases directly into the water. Other features include;
- Heat-resistant, heavy-duty stainless steel sparger tube with a unique air distribution system.
- NEMA 4 electrical box with operational controls as well as troubleshooting indicator lights.
- Auto purge, auto start/stop, and auto-fill standard.
- Stainless steel steam de-mister box.
- Foam suppression system and easy-to-access sludge disposal valve.
- Watermaze CoAg2-20A
According to reports, this is a simple, easy-to-use water reclamation system that puts together chemical coagulation and chemical flocculation technologies. Note that this setup is perfect for treating wash water with suspended solids and emulsified oils. Other benefits of this machine include;
- Heavy-duty, skid-mounted steel design
- Strong body protected with 2-part epoxy finish
- Chemical containers featuring low-level sensors
- Customizable with additional options and add-ons
Conclusion
Although some states like California are still in the process of studying water recycling, however, non-potable reuse already is prevalent across the nation.
Considering the millions of gallons of potable water being moved down our heating and cooling systems daily, it is time to start considering water as renewable, instead of as consumable. Note that by leveraging several water reclamation systems mentioned above, pressure washing companies can harness this untapped resource and transform what was once waste into an asset.