These days, many people are taking note of every gallon of gas at the pump. At Gleam, we have always taken note of every gallon of water used at our car washes and we also care about what goes into our stormwater systems.

You can wash guilt-free at Gleam.

Our system is one of the greenest in the country. We have always voluntarily used less water than other other car washes and certainly much less drinkable water than a wash in your driveway.

Gleam’s water reclamation system captures nearly 100% of the water used in each car wash. We then filter it, treat it, and resue it.

Gleam:

• Uses less water than other car automatic wash systems or washing at home
• Preserves the scarce natural resource of drinkable water
• Reduces wastewater from going into the sewage systems
• Keeps untreated contaminants found on your vehicle from going into the stormwater system
• Protects the value of your vehicle with regular cleaning

The best way to conserve treated drinking water, protect the planet, and care for your car is to wash once a week at a tunnel wash with a maintained water reclaim system like Gleam.

Water Use and Reuse

Each of us uses treated drinking water every day in our homes and workplaces. It’s also used to grow and process our food, for cleaning and cooling, and to support industrial systems. Overall, the daily usage of drinkable water in our communities is complex and necessary.

Gleam’s water reclamation system is one of the key values to support and improve the communities in which we serve. We are committed to conserving as much of that supply of treated drinkable water as possible so it can be uses in homes, hospitals, groceries and restaurants, workplaces, and schools.

Our car washes use about 100 gallons of water per car, but the bulk of that wash water, 80-85 gallons per car, is reclaimed from our storage tanks. Only 15-20 gallons of treated drinking water are used per car. That’s about the same amount of water you might use taking a shower in the morning.

Compare our use with other systems:

• Automatic car washes use up to 60 gallons of drinkable water
• A wash with a hose at home could easily use up to 100 gallons of drinkable water

We value our communities and continue to work to support the conservation of drinkable water even as we provide ongoing care for your vehicles.

How it Works: Five Steps

Most car washes have water reclaim systems. Gleam’s system is much larger than most and designed to conserve significantly more water than any other automatic car wash or washing at home. Another big difference is that we spend time and money maintaining our systems. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Used wash water is captured through a series of drains and run-off gutters strategically designed to direct the water into one of the four underground tanks. Each tank holds 1500 gallons for a total capacity of 6000 gallons.

Step 2: The treatment process begins with a gravity-fed filtration system that catches and disposes of most of the contaminants your car may have picked up from the road and driving. This step prevents these contaminants from going into the stormwater system.

Step 3: To further reduce impurities, the water is filtered through a specialized media that accepts a charge to attract microscopic contaminants, such as metals and minerals, which are also removed.

Step 4: Ozone is infused into the water to reduce any odors.

Step 5: The treated water is stored in another of our underground tanks until it can be reused in the car wash.

Our reclaimed water may not be drinkable, but it exceeds standards for the cleaning and protection of your vehicle. Any particulate that is still in the reclaimed water is no larger than five microns.

Protect Your Car

This year, after one of the driest winters on record, some cities are preparing or actively enacting water restrictions. Check your local municipality to see how that affects you. Home car washing is often restricted during drought conditions.

Because Gleam’s systems are so water-efficient, our services should not be affected by any restrictions. This preserves your choice to clean your car regularly, even in drought conditions.

A clean car is often the leading edge to your first impression. A regular car wash at Gleam helps:

• Prevent corrosion and rust
• Protects you undercarriage
• Preserves the value of your car over time

Get the Best at Gleam

We hope that our values support yours, and that your visits to our car washes provide the best services for both of us toward our goals to:

• Protect the value of your car with regular cleaning
• Conserve valuable drinking water in our communities