How to Use Water Reclaim Systems to Cut Costs & Stay Compliant in Colorado
Pressure washing is essential for many Denver-area industries, including construction, auto services, fleet management, and facilities maintenance. But with growing environmental regulations, increasing water costs, and local concerns about sustainability, business owners must now do more than just clean—they must clean responsibly.
Water reclaim systems have emerged as a practical and effective solution to address these challenges. These systems capture, filter, and reuse wastewater from pressure washing, allowing businesses to reduce water waste, stay compliant with local environmental laws, and significantly lower operational costs. For companies operating in the Denver metro area, where both water conservation and regulatory enforcement are top priorities, implementing a water reclaim system isn’t just a smart move—it’s becoming an operational necessity.
At H2O Power Equipment, we provide high-performance water reclaim systems designed specifically for industrial and commercial users. In this guide, we explain how these systems work, the benefits they offer in the Denver market, and what businesses need to know to operate in compliance with local standards.
What Is a Water Reclaim System?
A water reclaim system is an integrated solution that collects, filters, and recycles the wastewater generated during pressure washing. Instead of allowing contaminated runoff to flow into storm drains or surrounding soil, which can be illegal in many cases, the system traps the used water, separates solids and oils, and reintroduces the filtered water into the cleaning process.
Core Components of a Reclaim System
- Vacuum Recovery System: Captures wastewater using a vacuum hose placed near the cleaning site.
- Settling Tank or Holding Tank: Temporarily stores recovered water, allowing heavier debris to settle.
- Filtration Unit: Uses sediment filters, oil-water separators, and chemical treatments to clean the water.
- Pump and Return System: Repressurizes and sends the treated water back into the pressure washer for reuse.
The reclaim units offered by H2O Power Equipment are engineered to meet the water quality requirements of pressure washing systems without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
Why Colorado Businesses Need Water Reclaim Systems
Water conservation is not just a trend—it’s a growing legal and economic requirement in Denver, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding areas. According to the City and County of Denver, businesses must prevent pressure washing wastewater from entering storm drains, as the runoff can carry pollutants like oil, soap, heavy metals, and dirt into local rivers and groundwater.
Local Compliance
- Denver Stormwater Quality Ordinance: Prohibits the discharge of any non-stormwater into public drainage systems. Violations can result in fines and stop-work orders.
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE): Requires mobile washers to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs), including wastewater containment and disposal.
Installing a water reclaim system helps your operation meet both municipal and state-level environmental standards. This is especially critical for auto detailers, fleet washers, and construction contractors, who often work on paved surfaces near public infrastructure.
Environmental Responsibility
In Denver’s semi-arid climate, conserving water is vital. With population growth and development putting pressure on regional water resources, industries are expected to reduce waste and adopt sustainable practices. By recycling wash water, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact and demonstrate corporate responsibility.
Financial Benefits
- Reduced Water Bills: Reclaim systems can save thousands of gallons of water monthly, especially for high-volume operations.
- Fewer Fines or Compliance Costs: Staying ahead of regulations eliminates the risk of penalties.
- Extended Site Access: Businesses that reclaim and reuse water are more likely to be approved for cleaning jobs in sensitive areas like shopping centers, hospitals, and government facilities.
Industries That Benefit Most from Water Reclaim Systems
While water reclaim systems can enhance any pressure washing operation, they’re particularly beneficial for industries with high water use and strict compliance needs.
Auto Dealerships and Detailers
Auto facilities in Denver & Colorado Springs are often near storm drains or impervious surfaces. Reclaim systems allow these businesses to capture and recycle wash water without rerouting plumbing or disrupting workflow.
Construction and Equipment Cleaning
Heavy machinery cleaning creates substantial runoff, often mixed with oil, grease, and fine sediment. Reclaim systems help jobsite contractors avoid environmental violations, especially when working near waterways or new developments.
Fleet Maintenance Services
Municipal and commercial fleets require routine washing to remove road grime, chemicals, and oils. These services typically generate a high volume of wastewater. A reclaim system reduces environmental footprint and supports clean fleet initiatives.
Commercial Property Maintenance
Sidewalks, parking lots, and storefronts must be cleaned without sending pollutants into drainage systems. Water reclaim units make it easier to perform these services in compliance with city ordinances.
Operating a Water Reclaim System: What to Know
Installing a water reclaim system is only part of the solution. Proper use, maintenance, and training ensure ongoing success and compliance.
Site Preparation
- Use berms or vacuum booms to direct water to collection points.
- Set up reclaim mats or designated collection zones on flat surfaces to avoid spreading runoff.
Operator Training
- Train staff on water flow management and environmental safety.
- Regularly inspect vacuum hoses, filters, and tanks.
- Track system usage and maintenance to remain audit-ready.
H2O Power Equipment offers on-site training and system support to ensure every team member knows how to maximize efficiency and minimize liability.
System Maintenance
- Clean filters regularly to prevent clogs and ensure effective treatment.
- Drain and rinse tanks to avoid the buildup of sludge or oil residues.
- Replace worn parts with OEM components to maintain system integrity.
Scheduled maintenance keeps reclaim systems operating smoothly and ensures compliance during inspections.
Choosing the Right Reclaim System for Your Operation
At H2O Power Equipment, we offer reclaim systems tailored to Colorado’s unique regulatory and environmental conditions. Whether you’re operating a single mobile unit or managing a full wash bay, we can match you with the ideal configuration.
Key Selection Criteria
- Water Volume: High-volume operations need larger tanks and faster filtration.
- Mobility: Trailer-mounted systems offer flexibility for mobile washers, while stationary units work well for permanent wash bays.
- Contaminant Type: Grease-heavy operations require enhanced filtration stages such as oil-water separators and coalescing filters.
- Local Requirements: Our systems are built to comply with Denver’s discharge restrictions and BMPs.
We partner with our clients to evaluate their workflow, water usage, and job sites to design reclaim systems that meet operational and compliance goals.
A Smarter Way to Wash—and Save
Implementing a water reclaim system is more than a smart environmental move—it’s a long-term business strategy. In a city like Denver, where water regulations are strict and conservation is a public priority, these systems offer an efficient way to cut costs, avoid fines, and lead in sustainability.
H2O Power Equipment is Denver’s and Colorado Springs’ trusted source for water reclaim systems built for industrial pressure washing. We offer complete packages that include vacuum recovery units, filtration modules, and return systems, all designed to integrate seamlessly with our commercial-grade pressure washers. Our experienced team provides hands-on consultation, system design, installation, and ongoing support to ensure your business operates responsibly and profitably.
If you’re ready to upgrade your operation and take control of your water usage, reach out to our experts today. We’ll help you choose a reclaim system that meets your needs and positions your business as an environmental leader in the Denver market.