This project aims to transform water management practices in vehicle wash facilities, including both industrial operations (e.g., transportation fleets, logistics centers, or service companies) and commercial car washes for private vehicles. The proposal is based on the implementation of advanced, modular recirculation technology, designed to operate autonomously and safely in variable operating conditions. This technology enables the capture, treatment, and reuse of wash water through a sequential treatment system that includes solids separation, physical and chemical filtration, and final disinfection without the use of chlorine. The modules are scalable—from small facilities to large automatic tunnels—and can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure. With recovery rates above 85%, these systems significantly reduce freshwater extraction and wastewater discharge, directly contributing to urban water sustainability goals and reducing water stress in priority watersheds.
Conventional car washes consume between 200 and 600 liters of water per wash, depending on the technology used, the type of vehicle, and the frequency of service. This intensive water use puts sustained pressure on potable water sources or groundwater aquifers, especially in densely populated urban areas with already stressed distribution networks. In addition to high water consumption, these facilities generate significant pollution loads: wastewater often contains hydrocarbons, oils, detergents, sediments, heavy metals (e.g., lead and zinc from brakes and tires), and microbial waste, which are frequently discharged untreated into the sewer system or directly into water bodies. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of specific technical regulations and insufficient environmental enforcement, allowing the proliferation of inefficient water practices with low environmental performance, high hidden water footprint costs, and increasing risks to water quality in urban and industrial settings.
The proposed technology integrates a multistage water treatment and recirculation system specifically designed for the variable operational conditions of vehicle washing. The process begins with a mechanical separation unit that removes coarse sediments, sludge, and solids using screens, settling tanks, and grease traps. The water then passes through an advanced oxidation chamber where in situ oxidizing agents (e.g., ozone) break down persistent organic compounds (such as oils, detergents, and hydrocarbons). Next, it undergoes microfiltration using membranes or granular media to remove fine suspended particles, followed by activated carbon treatment to adsorb dissolved contaminants and improve the water’s physical-chemical properties.
The final stage involves disinfection via ultraviolet (UV) radiation or controlled ozone injection, ensuring the elimination of bacteria, viruses, and fungi without generating chlorinated byproducts. The entire system operates in a closed loop, allowing water to be reused in up to 10 successive cycles before partial renewal, achieving recovery efficiencies between 85% and 90%.
The system includes real-time monitoring sensors for key parameters such as turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), flow rate, and conductivity, all connected to an automated control unit. This unit regulates inter-stage flow, automatically triggers backwash or purge cycles, and optimizes internal cleaning frequency based on water quality and total volume treated. The modular and self-adaptive architecture ensures safe and efficient operation, aligned with international water sustainability standards (AWS, ISO 14046), and can be applied to both small car washes and large-scale automated operations.
The implementation system is based on compact treatment and recirculation modules, adaptable to both new and existing vehicle wash facilities. These modules include:
The modules are equipped with turbidity, TDS, conductivity, and flow sensors, with digital connectivity for remote supervision and automatic system adjustments based on real-time parameters. The modular design allows scalability based on the daily water demand of each facility.
Monitoring Plan
The project includes a robust monitoring and traceability protocol, including:
Stakeholders and Partnerships
The project is implemented in coordination with urban wash facility operators, water treatment technology providers, the Buenos Aires City Government (GCBA), and automotive sector trade associations. This ensures an integrated approach with technical, regulatory, and commercial support for implementation and scalability.
This initiative aims to fully transform water consumption practices in industrial and commercial vehicle wash facilities in Buenos Aires. Its core is the installation of modular water treatment and recirculation systems designed to suit various operational scales—from small facilities to fully automated wash centers.
From the outset, the project focuses on reducing potable water use, optimizing water through advanced recirculation technology, and minimizing pollutant discharge into sewer and stormwater systems. Water used in the wash process is captured and processed through multistage treatment: solids separation, advanced oxidation, fine filtration, activated carbon treatment, and safe, chlorine-free disinfection—ensuring it can be reused without compromising hygiene standards.
Real-time digital monitoring systems measure key parameters (turbidity, flow, TDS, conductivity), managed by an automated control unit that regulates flow, backwashing, and cleaning cycles. The system achieves over 85% water recovery, cutting average water use per vehicle from 300 L to under 50 L.
Environmentally and socially, the project provides multiple benefits: easing pressure on freshwater sources in a critical basin like Matanza-Riachuelo, reducing urban pollution, enhancing environmental traceability and compliance, and aligning the sector with SDGs (6, 11, 12, 13). Additionally, the volumetric water benefits (VWBs) generated are measurable via the VWBA 2.0 methodology , enabling the issuance of Positive Water Credits (CAPs) under standards like Act4Water.
This scalable, replicable model offers a concrete, measurable solution for advancing urban water sustainability, while also supporting compliance with frameworks such as ESRS E3, Science-Based Targets for Water, and the EU Green Taxonomy.
© 2025 Aquapositive. All rights reserved. Further distribution is not permitted without authorization from Aquapositive.
