Reclaim Systems
What is Water Reclamation?
Water reclamation captures wash water, filters out the contaminants, and returns it to the wash process—reducing water consumption and operational costs. As water regulations tighten and utility costs rise, effective reclamation has become essential for car wash operations to remain profitable.
The technology that makes our reclamation systems truly effective is our proprietary disc filtration technology; which is manufactured exclusively by Trident. Traditional bag or cartridge filters struggle with uneven flow, frequent clogging, and maintenance problems, whereas our disc filtration uses stacked, grooved discs that mechanically trap particles as the water flows between them, achieving up to 20-micron particle removal.
Trident Reclaim System Benefits
Trident reclaim systems are engineered for durability and low maintenance costs through several design choices:
All-Stainless Steel Construction: Frame, plumbing, basket, and pump impeller are stainless steel—not PVC or plastic. Plastic components crack under stress, become brittle from chlorine exposure, fail unexpectedly, and are expensive to replace. Stainless steel resists corrosion, handles aggressive cleaning, and can be fabricated or repaired quickly if needed.
Eliminated Reclaim Odor: Our systems are designed to eliminate the unpleasant odors often associated with reclaimed wash water. Effective filtration and design ensure that the system maintains cleaner, fresher smelling reclaim water, which in turn creates a better experience for customers.
Lower Maintenance Costs: Without plastic to manage, maintenance is simpler. No worrying about temperature or chemical exposure. Repairs are straightforward rather than hunting for exact replacement parts. Over years of operation, the stainless steel investment pays dividends through fewer emergency repairs and extended component life.
Variety of Options: Trident offers reclaim systems in multiple configurations to match facility needs for tunnel, in-bay, and fleet washes; including options with remote monitoring that allow operators to track filter conditions and system performance from anywhere.
How Trident's Proprietary Disc Filtration Works
Trident's exclusive disc filtration technology works differently than any other filtration system available. Rather than pushing water through filter media—the approach every other manufacturer uses—our disc filtration applies mechanical screening. As water flows between grooved discs, particles are trapped in the micro-channels while clean water passes through. This proprietary approach solves three major problems that affect conventional filtration systems:
Particle Removal to 20 Microns: At 20 microns (a human hair is ~75 microns), the system removes particles small enough to cause spotting, clog nozzles, or damage downstream equipment. This allows recycled water to meet quality standards comparable to fresh water throughout the entire wash process.
Flows at Any Rate: Traditional systems have optimal operating ranges—too high and efficiency drops, too low and the system becomes inefficient. Our systems maintain consistent performance whether you're running a single car or at peak capacity, eliminating the need for manual adjustments or concern about seasonal demand fluctuations.
Higher Recycle Rates: By combining effective particle removal with flow flexibility, disc filtration enables recycling more of wash water versus conventional systems. This translates to significant water and sewer cost savings.
Why Reclamation Matters
Economic Impact: Return on investment varies by location but many facilities see payback within 3-5 years through reduced water and sewer charges. After payoff, savings flow directly to the bottom line.
Environmental Responsibility: Water reclamation reduces water consumption and decreases wastewater. In water-scarce regions or areas with strict discharge limits, effective reclamation enables compliant operation.
Equipment Protection: By removing particles before they reach sensitive equipment downstream, reclaim systems protect nozzles, pumps, and other components from damage—extending their life and reducing maintenance costs throughout the facility.
Ready to cut water costs?
Trident's service team handles complete system design and installation throughout NC, SC, VA, DC, MD, and TN. Whether you're adding reclaim to an existing facility or building new, we integrate seamlessly and get your system recycling water at peak efficiency.