C-store Chains Join ICA WaterSavers Carwash Program

Two prominent convenience store chains joined the International Carwash Association’s WaterSavers program in mid-December, boosting the number of participating carwash locations to 570. With the additions of The Pantry and Circle K, there are now more than 100 companies registered with WaterSavers, a national marketing program designed to help professional carwashes promote environmentally friendly business practices.

Circle K registered 64 locations, and The Pantry added more than 50. Earlier this month, Giant Eagle registered about 30 of its WetGo carwash locations with the program.

“WaterSavers is a great program that recognizes those that put in a great effort to save and conserve water. By joining this program, we’ve demonstrated we’re a good steward of the land,” said John Crowe, carwash category, The Pantry. “The Pantry falls in line with some of the biggest carwash organizations around. It’s a competitive disadvantage not to be involved in this program.”

Other leading carwash participants in the WaterSavers program include Autobell, Brown Bear Car Wash, Mister Car Wash, Mr. Clean Car Wash, Splash Car Wash and Quick Quack Car Wash.

ICA developed WaterSavers this year to help professional carwashes educate consumers on the environmental benefits of professional carwashing and promote their locations as environmentally friendly businesses.

Participating carwashes must demonstrate that they reclaim or recycle treated water for future wash cycles and discharge effluent to a sanitary sewer or leech field. Each carwash location must be able to verify that they meet these requirements and maintain verification records on-site.

WaterSavers is open to all ICA members for an annual cost of $49 per location or a $250 flat fee for six or more locations. Approved carwashes receive a starter kit that includes a membership decal, program certificate and green tips to implement at the wash. Operators also can purchase customer-facing marketing materials, including signage, that promote their involvement in the program. Materials include posters, a banner, outdoor signage and a curb sign.

Related Articles:

• Giant Eagle Joins ICA WaterSavers Program
• ICA Establishes WaterSavers Advisory Council
• Splash Car Wash Joins WaterSavers Marketing Program