The International Carwash Association has expanded the criteria required to participate in its WaterSavers environmental recognition program. The ICA added best management practices collected from operators and local carwash certification programs that directly affect water quality and water efficiency, officials said.
The program now includes criteria addressing carwashes that recycle wash water or meet specific water use levels. Participants also must now use a backflow protection device as an additional practice for protecting water quality.
Previously, participating carwashes primarily had to demonstrate they reclaim or recycle treated water for future wash cycles and discharge effluent to a sanitary sewer or leech field. These parameters are still part of the criteria list.
In addition, carwashes must inspect all spray nozzles annually to ensure maximum efficiency of water used. All water-saving devices must be maintained to original or improved specifications for the conservation of water, and spot-free reverse osmosis concentrate (or reject) must be reused in the wash process if such a system is installed.
While carwashes that reclaim or recycle their water for future wash cycles have been part of WaterSavers since the ICA launched the program last year, the new water-use criteria opens up the program to additional carwashes that are mindful of their water consumption.
“Those within our industry already know the environmental benefits of professional carwashing, but too many consumers and water authorities are unaware,” said Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association. “Thanks to these new criteria, now more operators can participate in and benefit from our industry’s most successful consumer campaign. The more locations that participate, the greater our ability to raise awareness and influence behavior.”
The water-use requirement now includes conveyor carwashes and in-bay automatic systems that use no more than 40 gallons of fresh water per wash for all wash packages combined. In addition, self-serve carwashes that maintain high-pressure wash nozzles and pump systems that use fewer than three gallons per minute also are eligible.
Each carwash location also must be able to verify it meets the WaterSavers requirements and maintain verification records on-site.
“Being a WaterSavers member is an easy way to promote my business in the community and shows how we are committed to our environmentally friendly practices,” said John Richard of Bethel Park Rapid Wash. “These criteria changes are good for the industry as a whole and will help spread the word on the eco-benefits of professional carwashing.”
The program is open to all ICA members for $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.