Reclaim, Recycle, Repeat 

Streamline Your Water Reclamation With the Right System

by Tim Fitzpatrick, Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager / Howco Inc. 

Nearly every U.S. municipality now requires any car wash (other than a self-serve facility) to have water reclamation systems that capture, treat, and recycle wash water. The advantages of any adequate reclaim system include water cost reduction, local utility compliance, and environmental sustainability via reducing freshwater use by recycling water for subsequent use.  

Let’s discuss the overall advantages of a high-quality water reclaim system and then focus on the strengths of three excellent systems that Howco represents, installs, and services. 

Advantages of High-Quality Reclaim Systems 

• Cost reduction: Lower municipal water bills and reduced sewer surcharges/impact fees. 

• Regulatory compliance: Help meet local environmental and discharge regulations. 

• Environmental benefits: reduce freshwater consumption and decrease discharge to sewer. 

• Brand and marketing advantages: Promote eco-friendly operations to customers. 

• Site flexibility: Reduce need for large on-site freshwater storage or municipal upgrades. 

Howco offers system choices with strengths that play to different car wash models and address other unique needs of your wash setup and situation. 

System #1 – best for high-volume and tunnel car washes: 

• Proven reclaim focus: Widely used in high-volume washes for reliable continuous reclaim performance. 

• Robust solids and oil removal: Designed to handle heavy particulate and hydrocarbon loads typical of busy wash operations. 

• Modular/scalable designs: Systems available in sizes and configurations that scale with throughput, making upgrades straightforward. 

• Low-maintenance operation: Emphasizes simpler maintenance routines and longer intervals between service. 

• Integration-friendly: Often designed to integrate with existing tunnel conveyor systems, chemical dosing, and waste handling workflows. 

• Operator-friendly controls: User interfaces and monitoring options that simplify daily operation and water-quality checks. 

System #2 – options for compact footprints: 

• Tailored size options: Good choices for sites with limited space or for retrofit situations. 

• High-efficiency filtration and treatment:  Maximize water recovery rates. 

• Emphasis on automation: Strong automation and remote monitoring features reduce operator intervention and optimize performance. 

• Energy- and resource-efficient components: Selected to minimize power and consumable use while keeping recovery high. 

• Customizable solutions: Flexible configurations to meet different regulatory requirements and site-specific needs. 

• Support and service: Howco service as well as training helps keep system uptime and effluent quality consistent. 

System #3 – optimal for retrofit projects: 

• Rapid deployment and commissioning: This system can be designed for quick installation and startup, minimizing downtime for retrofits. 

• High recovery rates: Engineered to maximize reuse percentages, reducing freshwater demand and sewer charges. 

• Heavy-duty construction: Components and housings built for durability in harsh wash environments, reducing repair frequency. 

• Smart controls and diagnostics: Integrated sensors and diagnostics for on-site troubleshooting and performance optimization. 

• Modular, upgradeable design: Allows incremental capacity increases or added treatment stages as business needs grow. 

• Strong field support: Emphasis on responsive service, spare-parts availability, and operator training to maintain performance. 

Here are some points to consider as you’re deciding on the right system for your car wash reclaim needs: 

• Throughput needs: For very high-volume tunnels, prioritize a system that is proven at scale. 

• Automation and monitoring: If minimizing operator time and maximizing remote oversight is key, an automation focus may be preferable. 

• Rapid retrofit/quick startup: If you need fast installation and early production, consider a system that minimizes downtime. 

• Space/retrofit constraints: Compare compact models and plumbing requirements to fit your site. 

• Local regulatory demands: Select the proper reclaim system to your discharge and reuse requirements. 

Each of these systems deliver the core benefits of water savings, cost reduction, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. The best choice depends on your wash volume, site constraints, desired automation level, installation timeline, and local permitting. You will need to evaluate specs, recovery rates, maintenance needs, and service support when deciding. 

Howco can draft a side-by-side comparison checklist and help evaluate your site to recommend which system best fits your situation. Please reach out today and put our expert guidance to work for your car wash as you Plan | Develop | Operate®. 

Howco is a car wash distributor and development partner serving operators across equipment selection, site planning, chemical programming, and ongoing operational support since 1969. To learn more about how Howco can support your current or next car wash project and deliver Car Wash Success®, contact our team. You can also visit Howco.com for informative podcasts with Howco team members and more helpful articles.