Recycling water has to be cheaper than constantly buying fresh water, doesn't it? Most fleet managers assume so when they start exploring reclaim systems.
Proposals promise impressive numbers. Water usage drops 60-80%. Equipment specs look solid. ROI calculations show payback in X years.
Then you start asking about ongoing operations, and things get vague. Here's what you're actually signing up for beyond the equipment.
Your New 3-Chamber Settling Pit
Proposals obsess over equipment specs: chamber dimensions, flow rates, settling capacity. All of that matters. What gets less attention? What daily operation actually looks like.
Think of a reclaim system like a natural settling pond, but faster and more controlled. Water moves through three separate chambers, and each one serves a specific purpose.
Chamber 1 is where the heaviest solids drop out. Dirt, mud, and road grime settle to the bottom. This is the first pass at cleaning the water.
Chamber 2 handles the lighter stuff. Oils and greases float to the top, where the system skims them off before they can move forward.
Chamber 3 holds the relatively clean water, which is pumped out and flows through a filter that removes all particulates down to 40 microns. This is your reclaimed water supply.
Gravity and pumps move water through this process continuously. That word “continuously” matters more than most proposals emphasize.
Why Your Electric Bill Just Went Up Permanently
Sales materials mention “continuous circulation.” That’s a friendly way of saying, “those pumps run 24/7, every single day.”
They don't take breaks, and they don't shut down at night. Because when you stop the circulation, something bad starts to happen. And fast.
Without the added oxygen from flowing water, aerobic bacteria are replaced by anaerobic bacteria. These guys produce methane, so within 48 hours, you've got a facility that smells like a swamp.
To prevent that, pumps must run all day, every day. This isn't a maintenance schedule you can adjust. It's a constant electrical cost whether you're washing trucks or not.
Sewer discharge systems use pumps, too. But they only run during actual wash operations. Nobody mentions that difference in the glossy brochures.
Where You Still Need Fresh Water
Here's the part that surprises people. “Reclaim and reuse water” sounds like you're done buying fresh water. Turns out it's not like filling a pool once, and you're set.
There will still be small bits of dirt and grime in the recycled water. So, it's clean enough to use, but it's like washing yourself with bathwater. You can do it, but you're not getting as clean.
You'll use reclaimed water for the main wash cycle, and that's where you get your water savings. But you still need fresh water for two critical steps:
- Soap and detergent application - Detergents need clean water to work properly. Reclaimed water won't activate the chemistry correctly.
- Final rinse - This removes residue and prevents spotting. Fresh water gives you that clean finish.
Proposals will show impressive water reduction percentages. Just remember, those percentages still assume ongoing fresh water purchases. Your ROI calculations should account for that continued expense.
The Maintenance Schedule You Have to Factor In
Once you've gotten to the proposal stage, it's easy to get focused on the upfront installation. The ongoing operational commitment? That gets buried in the fine print.
The secret to reclaim systems is that they work well when you maintain them properly. “Properly” means understanding what you're signing up for.
Expect to pump out your pits and tanks quarterly. The solids don't disappear; they accumulate. Someone has to remove them regularly.
You'll also notice more frequent wash bay cleaning. Reclaimed water overspray leaves residue on walls and floors. It's not as clean as fresh water, so it shows. This isn't a defect. It's physics.
Pumps, nozzles, and hoses experience higher wear because they're working with recycled water that contains more particulates. You'll have a busier maintenance schedule than someone with a sewer discharge system.
In short, reclaim systems require more attention compared to a sewer connection.
How This Changes Your Proposal Review
Nobody tells you this stuff in the sales process. Here's why it matters:
- You can evaluate proposals more effectively. When someone mentions “three-chamber settling,” you know what they mean. When they talk about “continuous circulation,” you know to ask about electrical costs.
- You can budget more accurately. Installation price is just the beginning. Factor in continuous electrical costs, ongoing fresh water needs, regular maintenance, and equipment wear.
- You can prepare your maintenance staff. These systems aren't “install and forget.” There are daily operational requirements and monitoring needs.
- You'll have realistic expectations for wash results. Reclaim systems clean vehicles effectively. But they clean differently from freshwater systems. Understanding this prevents disappointment after installation.
Making an Informed Choice
Reclaim systems are sophisticated equipment but are not needed in most installations. Your local regulations and infrastructure determine whether you require one.
If our previous blog showed when you need a reclaim system, now you know what daily operation looks like. If you're choosing reclaim for brand image reasons when sewer is available, now you understand the operational commitment.
Do you have questions about reclaim systems for your specific facility? Contact HCS for site-specific guidance. We'll help you understand exactly what you're committing to before you make the investment.
