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 Here's How to Protect Our Water and Your Business" You might have heard the saying, "Only rain down the drain." It suggests that nothing but rainwater can go into storm drains and waterways. While it's a good reminder to be mindful of stormwater pollution, it's not actually federal law. This phrase is mainly used by cities and towns to encourage people to protect water quality and implement pollution prevention practices. It is meant to keep people from dumping garbage, oil, and other contaminants in the storm drain, as many people did years ago without knowing better. It was never meant to imply that ONLY rain is allowed in the drain, but that rain is the ONLY thing that should go down the drain. The Reality: The Clean Water Act, NPDES Permits, and BMPs The truth is, it's impossible to completely stop pollution from entering our rivers and streams. Every time it rains, pollutants from streets and sidewalks wash into waterways, creating nonpoint source pollution. That's why the Clean Water Act was created. It aims to protect our water by setting up a system to regulate how MUCH pollution is allowed, keeping a balance between keeping waters clean and keeping a modern society running smoothly.  A key part of the Clean Water Act is the NPDES permit system. NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Think of it as a system for managing pollution that enters our waters. The EPA and the Clean Water Act also encourage using Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize environmental impact. What's an NPDES Permit? An NPDES permit is a regulatory tool that allows certain entities (like big factories, some businesses, and local governments) to discharge a limited and monitored amount of pollutants into waterways while adhering to specific water quality standards. It's not a free pass to pollute; it's a way to control and monitor pollution through specific effluent limitations. Who Needs an NPDES Permit?    Big polluters: Large factories, cement plants, auto recycling facilities, and other industries with significant potential to pollute usually need their own NPDES permits. These are often considered industrial stormwater permits.  Some towns and cities: Towns, cities, and counties with over 100,000 people typically have their own MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit.  Most businesses: Most businesses don't need their own permit. They are usually covered under their state, county, or city's permit. They are expected to adhere to stormwater regulations and implement appropriate BMPs. Implementing BMPs protects the environment and helps businesses avoid fines and maintain a positive reputation.   Why are NPDES Permits and BMPs Important?    They limit pollution: Permits set specific limits on the amount of pollutants (discharge limits) that can be released. BMPs help reduce pollutants at the source.  They require monitoring: Permit holders must regularly monitor their wastewater and report the results.  They protect our water: Thanks to the Clean Water Act, NPDES permits, and the implementation of BMPs, many of our rivers and lakes are much cleaner today than they were decades ago. They have become fishable and swimmable again.   What About Mobile Cleaning Businesses (Like Pressure Washing Companies)? Mobile power washing businesses, like pressure washing companiesand mobile auto detailing services, usually don't need their own NPDES permits. It wouldn't be possible to apply for a permit, since they work in many different locations. Instead, they are expected to follow the rules set by the local government (city, county, or state) that holds the NPDES permit for that area sure-washing BMPs to prevent pollution. Most large cities or metropolitan areas publish their BMPs to make companies' compliance easy. However, many municipalities provide washing companies with no guidance at all.  How Can Products Like BatGuard Pro Help Pressure Washing Companies? This is where innovative products like the BatGuard Pro from FaythWorx come in. The BatGuard Pro is a specialized ground level filtration system designed to help pressure washing contractors, mobile detailers, and other cleaning professionals comply with stormwater regulations and implement effective Best Management Practices (BMPs).  Here's how it helps:    Contains and Filters Runoff: BatGuard Pro effectively captures and filters pressure washing wastewater runoff, filtering out pollutants like soaps, oil, grease, heavy metals, and debris. It is the only mobile, ground-level system on the market that can filter out not just oils and grease, but also heavy metals, phosphates, and other common pollutants to near-drinking water quality, making it an ideal solution for pressure washing and surface cleaning. The roots of this technology come from the same filtration systems used to clean the Gulf Oil Spill  Meets EPA Guidelines: BatGuard Pro helps you meet EPA guidelines, such as the Clean Water Act, by providing a simple and effective way to contain waste and debris, thus making it an important part of your local BMPs, as implemented by your Stormwater Authority.   Modular and Versatile:  Its modular design allows for flexible configurations: use it to create berms, surround storm drain inlets for filtered inlet protection, or line curbs to contain runoff. Unlike passive barriers like oil socks or berms that simply block water, or float to capture oils, allowing other contaminants to reach the drain,  the BatGuard Pro actively filters all of the heaviest part of the runoff (the water), allowing cleaned water to pass through while trapping pollutants for easy dry disposal in a dumpster. It reduces the need for vacuuming up water, which can further contribute to air pollution, with extra motors required for vacuums. The transport costs and danger of transporting UNTREATED waste water from a cleaning site, risking a spill on the roadways is one of the factors that has caused many municipalities to turn to BatGuard products themselves, for their own cleaning use.   Easy to Use and Transport: Designed for practicality, the BatGuard Pro is lightweight, portable, and easy to set up and use, making it perfect for mobile pressure washing operations.The BatGuard Pro system is a compact and portable solution that takes up minimal space on your service truck or your janitorial closet. Designed for durability and ease of use, a single BatGuard Pro can last up to a year or more under moderate commercial use, is simple and fast to deploy and clean, and is tough enough to withstand the rigors of a job site.  It can be run over with a truck, and still will not release contaminants that are molecularly bonded to the media.  Reusable and Durable: Built to last, the BatGuard Pro components are reusable and made from durable materials, providing a cost-effective stormwater management solution for your business. Unlike competing “oil only booms”, the BatGuard line of products are weighted to stay on the ground to filter every drop that goes through it. Each BatGuard has a reflective strip so that environmentally concerned neighbors and regulators can easily see that you are doing your part to keep our waters clean,   Source Control: The BatGuard Pro is an effective way to control pollution at the source, preventing it from ever entering the storm drain system.   Does the EPA Crack Down on Everyone? The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) oversees the Clean Water Act, and they provide guidance on how to achieve the goals of the CWA through the implementation of stormwater control measures. The EPA doesn't usually go after individuals or small businesses for minor violations. They focus on repeat offenders, major polluters, or cases that attract a lot of public attention (like a large fish kill). The EPA does not set forth specific rules or regulations on HOW the goals of the CWA are achieved. This is where your local Stormwater Authority comes in.  They set the rules and guidelines in your area.  Fayth Shelton, of Faythworx has a ten year history of working with jurisdictions all over the country in determining requirements, and showing authorities the benefits of using ground level filtration as an alternative to transporting waste water.  Thus far, there haven’t been any areas in the country where filtration for routine maintenance-based cleaning was not received in a positive manner by authorities, Of course there will always be times when vacuuming up waste water is required, such as certain chemical spills, or jobs requiring chemicals that cannot be filtered, or cleaning at especially sensitive areas. But those are few and far between in the world of maintenance cleaning. The Bottom Line: The Clean Water Act, NPDES permits, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to protect our water by controlling pollution. While the "only rain down the drain" message is a helpful reminder, it's not the whole story. The NPDES permit system allows for a practical balance between protecting the environment and allowing necessary activities to continue. The NPDES system has been set up to allow industry to function, while still protecting the water.  Using tools like the BatGuard Pro helps pressure washing professionals, restaurant owners, gas station owners and a variety of mobile cleaning businesses operate responsibly, comply with regulations, implement effective BMPs, and contribute to cleaner water for everyone. oil sock as bmp

The Importance of Water Filtration Systems Like BATGuard Pressure washing is a fantastic way to clean a variety of surfaces, from driveways and sidewalks to decks and buildings. However, it can also have unintended environmental consequences, if not coordinated properly with environmental tools. When used without proper precautions, pressure washing can relocate harmful contaminants like oils, heavy metals, suspended solids, and other debris into storm drains and ultimately, our waterways. This is where water filtration systems like BATGuard come into play. What is BATGuard? BATGuard is a cutting-edge water filtration system designed to capture and remove contaminants from water runoff during pressure washing and other cleaning activities. These systems act as a barrier, preventing harmful substances from entering our local rivers, lakes, and oceans. How does BATGuard work? BATGuard utilizes a multi-stage filtration process to effectively remove a wide range of contaminants:   Coarse Filtration: Removes large debris like leaves, twigs, and other large particles. Fine Filtration: Captures smaller particles, including sand, silt, and other fine sediments. Coalescing Filtration: Removes oils and other non-aqueous liquids, preventing them from entering the water. Advanced Filtration: Removes dissolved metals, heavy metals, and other dissolved contaminants.   Benefits of using BATGuard:    Environmental Protection: Protects our waterways from pollution and safeguards aquatic ecosystems.  Compliance: Helps businesses and homeowners comply with environmental regulations and permits.  Reduced Environmental Impact: Minimizes the ecological footprint of cleaning activities.  Improved Water Quality: Contributes to cleaner and healthier waterways for everyone to enjoy.  Cost-Effective: Can help reduce the costs associated with environmental fines and remediation.   Beyond Pressure Washing: BATGuard systems are not limited to pressure washing applications. They can be used in a variety of settings, including:    Construction Sites: To filter runoff from construction activities.  Industrial Facilities: To treat wastewater from industrial processes.  Agricultural Operations: To manage runoff from farms and other agricultural activities.   By incorporating water filtration systems like BATGuard into our cleaning practices, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact and ensure a healthier future for our planet.

Unwanted Contaminants Found When Pressure Washing & How to Mitigate Them Pressure washing is a powerful cleaning method, but it can also stir up hidden contaminants. These can include:    Lead: From older paints.  Asbestos: From older building materials.  Mold and Mildew: Can spread spores.  Pesticides: Previously applied to the surface.  Harmful Chemicals: From prior cleaning products.   Mitigating Risks:    Test for Lead and Asbestos: If suspected, have the area tested before pressure washing.  Safety Gear: Wear appropriate gear, including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.  Contain the Area: Use tarps to prevent contaminant spread.  Proper Disposal: Dispose of debris and runoff responsibly.   Environmental Considerations:    BATGuard: Utilize water filtration systems like BATGuard to capture contaminants and prevent them from entering storm drains and waterways. BATGuard systems can effectively filter out oils, heavy metals, suspended solids, and other debris.   By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safer and more environmentally responsible pressure washing experience. pressure washing business commercial pressure washer powerwasher

The Best Way to Manage Pressure Washing Runoff There are generally two ways to remove pollutants for pressure washing runoff. One of them is to vacuum all the runoff and either direct it to the landscape or take it off-site. The other is to filter the runoff, letting cleaning water go through, removing pollutants, and encapsulating it in the filter for dry disposal in the landfill later. While both methods work at reducing pollution, it is not always the best answer to reclaim the water. Here's why: Maintenance  Vacuum 1. Emptying and Cleaning the Collection Tank    This should be done after each use or every few uses, depending on the size of the tank and the amount of wastewater generated.   2. Cleaning or Replacing Filters and Screens    Filters and screens should be inspected, cleaned regularly, and replaced. The frequency depends on the type of filter and the amount of debris it collects.   3. Inspecting and Cleaning Hoses and Connections    Hoses and connections should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or blockages.   BATGuard™ Filter      Between jobs: For optimal performance, store your BATGuard™ in its 5-gallon bucket filled with water and a small amount of soap (about an ounce).   After each use: Rinse off the outside of the BATGuard™ to remove any loose debris or contaminants.    Cost-Effectiveness    Upfront Investment: Reclamation vacuums can be significantly more expensive to purchase than a BATGuard™ filtration system.  Ongoing Costs: Vacuums require frequent maintenance, including emptying, cleaning, and replacing filters. This translates to higher labor costs and potential downtime. BATGuard™, on the other hand, has minimal maintenance requirements and a longer lifespan.   Environmental Impact     Reduced Energy Consumption: BATGuard™ uses gravity to filter water, consuming minimal energy compared to the powerful motors in reclamation vacuums.  Superior Filtration: BATGuard's™ specialized filter media effectively removes pollutants, ensuring cleaner discharged water and minimizing environmental impact.   When you need to use a Reclaim vacuum     When working with chemicals on the hazardous list that are not efficiently filtered by the BATGuard™.  When working over environmentally sensitive areas such as boat docks.       The Bottom Line: While reclamation vacuums have their uses, filtering with the BATGuard™ offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for managing pressure washing runoff. It's the smart choice for professionals who value productivity, sustainability, and ease of use. It is a good idea for every power washer to have a vacuum when needed or to work with local contractors with said equipment until the investment into vacuum equipment is justified by your contracts.