Be Prepared
Questions you should ask before making a reclaim purchase

By Cary L. Wise

As an industry, the gathering storms of drought, water usage and environmental impact have brought water recycling/water reclaim to the forefront of carwashing concerns. For us old-timers, we can remember back to the days when it was first attempted, usually with disastrous and costly endings. Those first attempts left a very poor image of reclaim products and technologies.

Since those days, however, especially in the last five years or so, the technology for reclamation has caught up to and, in some cases, surpassed the high level of technology we are used to in the carwash industry. The bottom line is there are reclaim systems that work extremely well and can provide the water quality you demand at your wash.

One major problem that still exists, unfortunately, is that the average operator still does not know the different technologies being offered in the reclaim arena and, in most cases, is not familiar enough to ask the right questions concerning his own wash and how reclaim technology pertains to or will perform in his wash.

Too many operators have told me personally, “My system does not perform as sold to me,” “It’s not what I expected” or “It does not work at all.” In a time of advanced technology, this is a sad and unnecessary result for the operators of our industry.

The reason for these problems is simple: lack of knowledge and the information needed to make educated purchasing decisions. We need to get away from making decisions based on sales presentations.

The following is a list of questions you should ask reclaim companies and, in some cases, the reasons why you should ask them. I suggest these questions be presented in writing, with the answers signed and dated (along with the company name) by the person providing your answers. Getting it in writing can help you get away from sales presentations and get good, accurate information and make an informed decision.

There are basically two types of reclaim systems: 1) biological and 2) mechanical filtration. All of these questions relate to both types of systems.

Questions to ask 

1. What percentage of total water usage will be reclaimed? (less overspray, evaporation and drive-off) Why you should ask: If you want 100 percent reclaim, not all systems can achieve that. If only 10 percent to 20 percent reclaim can be achieved, you should know that before you purchase.

2. Does this reclaim system require a sewer? Why you should ask: Some reclaims are totally closed loop and require no sewer. This can save you money on sewer fees and impact or hookup fees.

3. Does the system require chemicals or ozone for odor control? Why you should ask: Chemicals require replacement costs and maintenance. Ozone will require service and maintenance costs. (Research ozone usage in closed environments, such as equipment rooms.) 

4. Does the system have media filters and/ or inline filters that will remove sediment? Why you should ask: Do they automatically backwash?

5. Where does the required backwash go? Is sewer required?

6. Will inline filters require changing? If so, how often?

7. Will the media filters required rebedding? If so, how often? If so, how much does it cost?

8. What is the estimated cost of yearly maintenance?

9. Can the reclaim water be used for all carwash functions, excluding spot-free rinse?

10. You should be able to get guarantees in writing on the following questions:
a) Will reclaim water contain any soap?
b) Will reclaim water contain any wax?
c) Will reclaim water have any odor?
d) Will reclaim water contain less than 5 ppm oil emulsions?
e) Will reclaim water contain any particulate matter greater than 5 micron in size?
f) Will reclaim water be clear in appearance?

11. What is the required maintenance time per week?

12. Will the reclaim representative help me obtain permitting locally?

13. Will the reclaim representative personally help me achieve rebates and impact waivers locally?

14. Will the reclaim representative personally install and start up my equipment?

15. What is the warranty on this equipment package?

16. What is the projected payoff time vs. costs of this equipment in months?

17. What is the monthly projected fresh water reduction at my carwash for this system?

What to look for 

Any system you choose should:

• Be reliable 
• Provide quality water you need to wash cars 
• Save you as much fresh water as possible per month 
• Reduce sewer bills or eliminate them alltogether 
• Require as little maintenance as possible 
• Be as economical to operate as possible 
• Give you a fairly fast return on investment 
• Keep you free from business interruptions due to drought, water rationing, etc.
• Allow you to be among the environmentally friendly in your town.

Reclaim is an economically and environmentally smart thing to do. The products available range from not so good to really good. It is your job to get the facts. Do your homework properly and you too can have a reclaim that works to your expectations and saves you money in water and sewer costs while diminishing the impact on the environment.