Top 5 myths for water recycling systems

Water reduction mandates are inevitable. That means your business needs options — and a plan.

Assembly Bill 1668 and Senate Bill 606 are now forcing water districts to think hard about water conservation measures. Reducing the amount of water that businesses use will inevitably be a key factor — and that means your business needs a water recycling plan.

But even as they’re set to become a necessity for business, there remains a lot of myths and confusion around water recycling systems.

No maintenance is needed

Water treatment systems vary in size, type, and treatment level but regardless of the system maintenance is required.  In addition, constant monitoring is necessary to insure the desired water quality is achieved.

Single system for treatment and waste water recycling

Systems range from simple to complex and are based on the number of impurities contained in the waste water and the desired use on the discharge side.

Obtaining wash quality water requires multiple technologies and stages depending on the condition of the water entering the system.  The stages include chemical treatment, mechanical separation, chemical refinement, and filtration.

Potable (Drinkable) water is not achievable using Recycle Water

Potable (Drinkable) water is achieved by using multiple technologies and steps including ozone, ultraviolet disinfection, and carbon filters.  The final process typically involves membrane filtration.

The systems are normally only cost effective when there is a shortage of potable water readily available or the value of conserving water is considerable to the individual or company.

Systems are fully automated

Although many automated features are available for waste water recycle systems, there are not any systems currently available that feature full automation. Monitoring of filter pressures, co-ag pumps, Ozone production and backwash timers are just a few of the requirements to insure proper operation of your system. Monitoring of the system usually takes less than 15-20 minutes per day by a trained operator.  Monthly maintenance requirements may require changing out chemicals, filter paper and testing of the water chemistry.

Recycle up to 100%

Recycling 100% of your waste water difficult to achieve because of evaporation and runoff during the washing process. Up to 30% of your wash water will be either evaporated or leave the wash area with the equipment which is generally a good thing as it allows fresh water to be introduced into the system which lengthens the time between when the waste water will need to be disposed of and the system restarted.