Commonly Asked Question about our Water Reclaim Systems

Can I drink the reclaim water?
No, reclaim water is NOT potable water.

How many water storage tanks do I need?
Typically you will need three (3) water storage tanks.

What sizes of water storage tanks are needed?
We suggest each tank be equal to the water that can be used in one hour, but no less than 1,000 gallons.

Can the tanks be above ground?
Tanks can be above ground or underground.

How much water will I be able to clean?
100% of the water sprayed on the car, less evaporation and drive-off.

Does the system make water?
NO the system does NOT make water.

Does the system use or deplete water?
NO the system does NOT deplete water.

Can I operate without city sewer?
Yes, as far as our reclaim system is concerned. The final rinse is usually fresh water or spot free water, which will add to the water volume. If you have human waste, water softener reject water of excessive reverse osmosis (RO) reject water, you will need to use proper disposal methods.

Can I use RO reject water in my system?
Yes, subject to our approval of a water test showing incoming water quality.

Can I use the reject waters from the water softener?
No, the water softener rejects water is salty or brine water. This reject water should be disposed of outside of the reclaim system.

Does it take anything special to run this system?
Common sense, electrical power, water.

Where should the reclaim water NOT be used?
Do not use the reclaim water in chemical mixing bins, as RO feedwater, Water Softener feedwater, or final rinse.

Where can the reclaim water be used in the carwash process?
Can be used in all rinsing or water applications except final rinse.

How much water is recycled?
100% of the water that goes into the settling tank is recycled.

Can I use well water if I do not have city water?
Yes, subject to our review of the water tests.

Do I need to test my water before installing this system?
Yes! Our Total Water Management Program includes all water tests required or you may be able to obtain some of the water test requirements from your municipal water supplier or have your well tested by an independent lab.

How much time can I expect to maintain the system per week?
About one hour per month.

How can I test the quality of fresh and reclaim water myself?
Test for Total Dissolved Solids, pH, Temperature, Hardness. We recommend (and sell) a Hanna Instruments Combo pH/EC/TDS & Temperature Meter, Model HI 98129.

Can this system be used to reclaim water from a laundry?
NO.

Does the reclaim system require a specific pH range for the wastewater?
YES, the system (and your carwash chemicals) needs pH values in the water of between 6.5 to 8.5. .

Can I use fresh water instead of RO water for my final rinse?
Yes, as far as our system in concerned.

Can reclaim water be processed through the RO system?
NO, reclaim water will damage or make you RO system inefficient.

Can reclaim water be processed through the water softener?
NO, do not send reclaim water through the water softener.

Which is better? An RO (Reverse Osmosis) system or a DI (DeIonized) system?
Each system has its own unique features and benefits. RO or DI water has no effect on our system.

QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO MECHANICAL RECLAIM

Is a heater required to heat reclaim water?
No, the water that is usually used to wash cars is okay.

What kind of soap can I use?
Any type of standard carwash chemicals are okay

What if someone drains their used motor oil into the car wash water?
You should have an oil/water separator installed to keep such material from entering your reclaim system. The mechanical system is not designed to remove dumping of oil.

Can I use chemicals/soaps with dyes in it?
Yes, the ozone treatment will remove all color from dyes in the soaps.

How clean can I expect the water to be?
The water will be odor free, clear and contain no particles over 5 micron in size.

How does the system clean the water?
Waste water is pumped from a secondary settling tank through the high density zeolite media filter to remove particles over 5 micron in size, then treated with ozone to remove odor, dyes, and some level of carwash chemicals. The cleaned water is then stored for use in the carwash.

Does the water smell (offensive odor)?
NO, the water has NO offensive odors.

What are the preventive maintenance requirements?
Regularly check and empty the in-line trash sieve check air and water pressures, confirm adequate water and air flow.

What supplies will I need per month to keep the system running?
No regular consumables are required (such as filters, boosters, etc.)

How often do I need to change the filters?
Check and empty the in-line trash sieve on a regular basis. Otherwise there are no filters to change, clean or replace on a scheduled basis. Plan on replacing the zeolite media every three to five years.

QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO BIOLOGICAL RECLAIM

Is a heater required to heat reclaim water?
Only in areas subject to temperatures below 40 degrees for three or more days in a row. Water in the bio tanks should be kept at above 60º degrees F., 70º F. and above is ideal.

What kind of carwash chemicals/soaps can I use?
Most major brands of carwash chemicals used in the industry are compatible. Do not use chemicals or materials that contain biocides, silicones, polymers, or hydrofluoric acid.( CONTACT US for compatibility.)

Can anything kill my system?
Yes. Poisons, pesticides, biocides, acetone, chlorine, and gasoline, lack of water circulation, lack of oxygen. Anything that would kill or harm fish or animals can kill or harm the system.

What if someone drains their used motor oil into the car wash water?
You should have an oil/water separator installed to keep such material from entering your reclaim system. Generally, an occasional "dumping" of oil from a single auto will not damage our system and the microbes will consume the used motor oil.

Can I use carwash chemicals with dyes in it?
Yes, but the reclaim water will be tinted to some degree. The tint has no effect on the quality of the reclaim water.

Can I use the reclaim water for something other than washing cars?
Yes, the reclaimed water can generally be used for driveway wash down and landscaping.

How long does it take to get the system started?
Expect a three day start up time (Could be a day less or a day more).

How long can the system be down before it dies off?
We consider a four-(4) hour

How clean can I expect the water to be?
The water will be free of offensive odor, color will range from clear to opaque and can contain particles averaging 5 micron in size.

How does the system clean the wastewater?
Organic materials in the wastewater is consumed by specialized microbes which produce by-products of WATER (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon dioxide is exhausted into the air, thereby removing the carwash chemicals.

Does the water smell (offensive odor)?
The water has NO offensive odors. You may notice a slight musty smell if you open the bio-tanks.

What are the preventive maintenance requirements?
Clean the hydro cyclones (soft brush & water) on a monthly basis. Weekly, check air and water pressures, confirm adequate water and air flow. Confirm the Bio Booster consumption rate.

What supplies will I need per month to keep the system running?
The supply of Bio Booster will last four (4) months.

What tools will I need to maintain the Biological System?
A screwdriver, nut-driver, channel locks, soft bottle brush.

How often do I need to change the filters?
The only filter is an air filter for the air blower motor. Change as needed or about every six months.

Can this system be used to reclaim water from garages and oil-change shops?
YES, on an individual basis or in combination with car washes.

What is the "restart" process if the system has been killed by poisons?
Flush out the water from all tanks, refill, replace the bio-sock, turn on the power and the system will restart automatically.

What is the "restart" process if the system has been killed form lack of oxygen or water or power loss?
Confirm that adequate water, air and power is available, turn the power on and the system will restart automatically.