Vehicle Wash Introduction

Just the thought of a car wash facility can elevate concerns over water “waste” for many people.  Yet, automatic car washes are generally among the most efficient of the commercial uses in the local community. In fact, the efficient technologies and practices adopted in recent years by many in the car wash industry have gone a long way toward minimizing the use of water in these facilities. An efficient automatic car wash usually uses less water per vehicle than one would consume by washing the same car at home!  Some experts consider the car wash industry to be one of the more progressive when it comes to water use efficiency.

Frequently, the emphasis upon re-use of water in car washes has been driven by sanitary sewer discharge requirements, not by the programs of the water utilities. However, some water utilities have exhibited a special interest in achieving greater water efficiency in the car wash sector. As such, a number of studies have been completed over the years that describe what new technologies and practices are available to that sector. Some of those study reports are available here for review and download. Two studies on water conservation sponsored by the International Car Wash Association and written by consultant Chris Brown are available:

Brown, C. (2000) Water Conservation in the Professional Car Wash Industry

Brown, C. (2002) Water Use in the Professional Car Wash Industry

The Water Smart Car Wash program of the Southern Nevada Water Authority is a good example of a utility sponsored car wash efficiency effort.

In 2006, the California Urban Water Conservation Council commissioned a study by Chris Brown to examine the California statewide water savings potential for a Best Management Practice covering car wash efficiency. The draft report may be downloaded here:

Brown, C. et al (2006) PBMP Vehicle Wash Systems

An important study on effluent and solid waste characteristics in the car wash industry (also authored by Chris Brown), sponsored by the International Car Wash Association is available for download here:

Brown, C. (2002) Water Effluent and Solid Waste Characteristics in the Profesional Car Wash Industry

The Australian Car Wash Association is launching a rating scheme for car washes and their water efficiency.  Learn more about this effort here. 

Mendleson (2006) Australian Car Wash Water Saver Rating Scheme