Suds Waterless: Saving the World One Car Wash at a Time
Environmental Issues Involved in the Car Wash
We at Suds Waterless are always concerned with the environmental impact of washing cars. Contamination of surface waters may arise from the rinse discharging to storm drains, which eventually drain to rivers and lakes. Chief pollutants in such wash-water include phosphates, oil and grease, and lead. This is almost exclusively an issue for home-driveway washing, and parking lot style charity washes. Professional car washing is a “non-point source” of discharge that has the ability to capture these contaminants, normally in interceptor drains so the contaminants can be removed before the water enters sanitary systems. Water and contaminants that enter storm water drains do not undergo treatment, and are released directly into rivers, lakes and streams.The professional car wash industry has made great strides in reducing its environmental footprint. This is a trend that will continue to accelerate due to regulation and consumer demand. The use of water supplies and energy during car washes is self-evident, since these resources are typi
cally required for a car wash. Many car washes already use water reclamation systems to significantly reduce water usage, and they also employ a variety of energy usage reduction technologies. These systems may be mandated where water restrictions are in place.
Soil contamination is sometimes related to such surface runoff, but more importantly is associated with soil contamination from underground fuel tanks or auto servicing operations which are commonly ancillary uses of car wash sites — but not an issue for car washing itself.
Many people also use conveyor automatic car washes, but these have their own issues as well. Not only do they still have some sort of environmental impact, they also have issues with long lines, and ensuring the quality of the wash. Over a period of time they often damage the surface of the vehicle with micro scratches. They may operate more quickly, but you aren’t getting a high quality cleaning for your vehicle. This method usually doesn’t even protect your vehicle for an extended period of time either, not to mention that you have to take time out of your schedule and expend gas to go to the fixed location of the car wash. Suds waterless brings the car wash to you, while you work, shop, or relax at home. We clean your car anywhere, while you do…anything!
The Suds Waterless Alternative
For these reasons, with SUDS and our ability to wash cars without using water. We are accelerating the efforts for the car washing industry to become environmentally friendly, saving dry U.S. cities their limited supply of water and encouraging the preservation of water resources in wet cities. In a waterless system, there is a reduction in detergent, thus a reduction in suds; the less detergent used, less water is needed to rinse. Research has shown that instead of using harmful solvents in soap, plant-based cleaning agents are biodegradable and are better accepted by the earth and the living bacteria that consumes them. Suds Waterless predicts that more and more carwash systems already in place will begin taking advantage of the less harmful wash products. We believe that with time, consumers will become more aware of the benefits of using biodegradable wash products and will shift their business towards companies that are sole users of non-solvent based items.
