Every commercial car wash site must be licenced to comply with local by-laws, such as requiring all wastewater to be directed to sewer, and with water authority guidelines for reducing water use.
Water management is based on strong environmental standards. High pressure, small nozzle delivery provides the most efficient minimisation of water use. Where practical, water is recycled for use on site under risk management plans to maintain satisfactory health and quality outcomes.
All wastewater is directed to a settling pit and then into the sewer, ensuring that there is no pollution of the stormwater systems and waterways. This contrasts with the waterway pollution caused by non-regulated vehicle washing on driveways, in the streets or on other paved areas.
It is vital for the future growth of the industry that positive public education campaigns promote the environmental benefits of using commercial car wash facilities both in their treatment of wastewater and their minimisation of fresh water used.
