Car wash wastewater contains oils, grease, surfactants, and heavy metals that harm the environment. This is why most professional car wash facilities require water treatment before they drain it to a sanitary sewer.
However, some car washes bypass the sanitary sewer and discharge their wastewater into wetlands or watercourses, which are punishable by law.
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Safety
Car wash wastewater can cause serious damage to the environment and groundwater. This wastewater contains a variety of pollutants, including dirt, oil, grease, and detergents.
This water is often not treated before being discharged into rainwater sewer systems or other water bodies. It can pollute these areas, generate excessive bubble foams that spoil the urban appearance, and affect public health.
This wastewater also contains chemicals that can poison fish in nearby waterways. These include soaps and detergents that contain phosphates, a nutrient that promotes algae growth in waterways.
Fortunately, there are simple solutions for car washes that can improve the safety of their operations while improving the quality of wastewater. Some of these methods involve filtration, oil-water separators, and reclamation technologies.
Environment
Car wash facilities use detergents to loosen and remove dirt and grime from vehicles. These cleaning solutions are typically not hazardous to the environment or the people who use them. Many car wash franchises now incorporate environmentally focused equipment to protect water sources.
Most car wash facilities are required by law to treat wastewater before discharge to sewerage. However, the discharge of untreated wastewater from commercial car wash facilities to storm drains and other sources of environmental runoff is a serious concern.
This can lead to the destruction of wetlands, rivers, lakes, and other waterways. In addition, the discharge of these pollutants is often a violation of federal law.
Economy
When you operate a professional car wash, you must ensure your wastewater is properly discharged. This means routing it to a water treatment facility that can filter it and ensure it is safe to reuse in the local environment.
There are many reasons why this is important. First, your wastewater contains a variety of contaminants that may be dangerous to the environment without proper treatment.
Second, your water may include a lot of silt and oils that may block sewage systems if it flows into a creek or lake. That is why it is vital to have a water drainage system that directs your waste to a treatment facility where it can be cleansed and disinfected before returning to the natural environment. The economy of your business and the community need to implement effective water conservation practices and wastewater management systems.
Licensing
As a car wash business owner, you must know wastewater treatment and its regulatory implications. Wastewater from car washing can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife, making wastewater treatment important for protecting your business and the environment.
In many areas, car wash bays must set up water treatment procedures to minimize the pollution and harmful chemicals in the wastewater before leaving your property. This reduces the risk of contaminants entering your stormwater system and threatening marine flora and fauna.
You must also comply with state and local laws around grit traps, vehicle air emissions, and fuel tank storage. These rules help reduce environmental harm, keep your car wash clean and ensure safe working conditions for employees.
