Importance of Wastewater Recovery in Pressure Washing - By: Robert Benson

Many consumers may be unaware of the environmental hazards of power washing. Here's the issue: The dirt, grime, and grease that pressure washing blasts away eventually enters the local water system. Furthermore, nearby parking lot pollutants such as antifreeze and engine oil are also lifted by pressure washing wastewater. These toxic chemicals (including fertilizers, bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides and other engine fluids) are then washed down storm sewers and into local watersheds.

Each of these substances has its own deadly effect on nearby ecosystems. For example, 250,000 gallons of fresh water can be contaminated by a single quart of motor oil. Indeed, most automobile waste materials are extremely toxic. For instance, cars shed the heavy metal cadmium during normal operation. This toxin is then deposited on roads, and washed into storm sewers. Even small amounts of cadmium are deadly for soil microorganisms and humans alike.

Literally hundreds of hazardous compounds linger on roadways and parking lots. When a pressure washing service is carried out, excess wastewater washes these noxious chemicals into storm drains and local water supplies. In this way, careless wastewater management threatens both drinking supplies for both wildlife and humans alike.

As consumers choose which pressure washing service to hire, they have the ability to influence the environmental impact of pressure washing operations. Sure, certain laws protect North American streams and lakes by restricting what types of pollution can be released into ground water, but in the end, most pressure washing outfits are small enough that they can fly under the radar of enforcing agencies such as the EPA in the United States. However, companies cannot ignore the needs of their customers and hope to stay in business for long. Pressure washing outfits are no exception - if consumers demand clean pressure washing operations, companies will comply.

Fortunately, some companies have developed techniques for capturing wastewater, preventing all those pollutants from contaminating nearby ecosystems. If you're in the market for a residential or commercial pressure washing service, the following list of characteristics can help you choose a Vancouver or Calgary pressure washing organization that uses a truly green methodology.

1. Wastewater capture and disposal. Earth-friendly pressure washing companies use drain plugs to prevent contaminated wastewater from entering the local watershed. Next, a special wet vacuum is used to suck up tainted wastewater. Last, polluted wastewater is stored and transported to an earth-friendly disposal facility. As you select a power washing partner, ask each vendor if they use these methods to protect the environment.

2. PWNA membership. A certain organization ties together pressure washing services that have pledged dedication to earth-friendly procedures and ethical business practices. This group is called the Power Washers of North America Association (PWNA). Within this society, some pressure washing companies have further distinguished themselves by earning Environmental Contract Cleaners certification. PWNA membership and Environmental Contract Cleaner certification are excellent qualifications to look for in an earth-friendly pressure washing organization.

3. Earth-friendly cleaning products. Every step in the pressure washing process can be made more environmentally friendly. For example, if a pressure washing organization is especially dedicated to the preserving the environment, it likely uses phosphate-free, biodegradable cleaning solutions.

4. Special training. To be effective, green techniques must be applied throughout the hierarchy of an organization. As you select a pressure washing company, look for a firm that provides eco-training to staff, especially technicians.

About the Author

Scotts Pressure Wash delivers quality, reliable, and efficient pressure washing services that will improve your business's bottom line. Check out their website at http://www.ScottsPressureWash.com and discover more about their services and dedication to partaking in environmentally safe power washing techniques.

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