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Potable water is a precious resource, and in the face of increasingly erratic water availability in the UK, sustainable water management practices have become a pressing issue for commercial fleet management businesses. A water reclamation system is a viable and cost-effective solution, helping your facility reclaim and reuse a significant proportion of the water used to wash commercial vehicles. This article will examine the benefits and practicalities of implementing a water management system, explaining how it can deliver cost savings, easier compliance, and business continuity during water shortages.

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What Is A Water Reclamation System?

Commercial water reclamation solutions are designed to reclaim, treat and reuse water from various industrial and commercial processes. In the context of fleet management, water reclamation systems typically capture the wastewater used to wash vehicles, treat or filter it to remove contaminants (engine oil, grease, dirt etc), and then repurpose it for non-potable uses on site. For example, recaptured water can be stored in tanks and used in a pressurised wash system for subsequent wash cycles, or used for cooling or other commercial processes. This reduces your operation’s dependence on freshwater or main sources for non-potable applications.

The technology used in these systems includes various membrane filtration systems, oxidation, and biological treatment, depending on the contaminants involved and the needs of your business. Membrane filtration, for instance, is extremely effective at removing particulates, while biological treatment might be needed to break down organic matter (e.g. when washing agricultural plant).

Cost Savings From Reduced Water Consumption

Although we are primarily looking at sustainability here, one of the compelling benefits of investing in a water reclamation system is the cost saving it brings. This is a straightforward equation of decreasing your water consumption for everyday applications. The less water you use, the lower your utility bills and operational costs. This is particularly relevant in regions and local authorities where water rates are expensive or where there are high charges for wastewater disposal.

Compliance With Environmental Standards

Adherence to environmental regulations and standards is a critical aspect of modern fleet management. A commercial water reclamation system can help you comply with these best practices for water usage, protecting water quality and ensuring sustainable resource use. Our water saving technologies are fully compliant with Environment Agency standards and can help future proof your operation by staying ahead of the regulatory curve, which is set to get steeper over the coming years. Not only does a sustainable water management strategy save you money short-term, but it also reduces the risk of your business incurring penalties for wastewater discharge or excessive public water use, as well as negative publicity.

Business Continuity During Water Shortages

While 2024 has seen a welcome reprieve from the droughts and water shortages of recent years, water scarcity and restrictions are becoming a common feature of the British landscape, especially over summer. In the face of climate change and growing demand, this can pose an operational risk to business continuity for fleet operators. Investing in a water reclamation system gives you a buffer against water scarcity, price fluctuations, and restrictions, by reducing your need to draw water from external sources. During a heatwave or drought, having access to an internal supply of reclaimed water can keep your vehicle washing system running smoothly, avoiding delays and downtime.

Find Out More

Britannia Wash Systems provide a range of environmentally friendly vehicle wash bays and reclamation systems for commercial vehicle and plant operators. To find out more, please get in touch with one of our expert team today by clicking here, or call us directly on 01789 334640.