Proposal May Require Car Wash Facilities in Bahrain, Middle East to Install Water Filter Systems
Car washing facilities in Bahrain, a country in the Middle East, may be forced to recycle water after an unanimously approved proposal by the Southern Municipal Council. The proposal would oblige all facilities to install water filter systems that allow multiple usages, reported ZAWYA.
The proposal was spearheaded by the council’s legislative, administrative and financial affairs committee chairman Hizam Al Dossary.
“Large quantities of water are being wasted through pressure-oriented hoses when cleaning cars,” said Mr Al Dossary, reported ZAWYA. “Bahrain is a country with limited natural resources and conservation should be a priority, but in the case of the current car washing methods, it is not.”
According to Dossary, hi-tech water recycling equipment is available for car wash facilities and can vary in price.
These filters can save gallons of water and be more cost-effective to car wash providers, according to ZAWYA. The facilities will have to consider the volume of water used each day and the chemicals and procedures needed in the wash and rinse processes as well, according to the proposal. Car wash facilities currently dispense water into sewers or allow water to evaporate rather than reusing it.
“Neighbouring countries have made significant progress in reusing car wash water by setting up rules and regulations to enforce water recycling within those facilities and, here in Bahrain, we are aiming for the same,” added Dossary. “A grace period could be given to test and implement the move.”
It may be necessary to install separate water treatment operations in car wash centers, reducing the burden of treatment on national water treatment plants, according to Dossary, reported ZAWYA.
The proposal has been referred to Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf for review alongside the other ministries and government bodies concerned, reported ZAWYA. The council must be notified about a veto within two weeks otherwise the decision gets immediately implemented.
