Be Prepared for a Long Hot Summer

Record heatwaves are brewing off the coast, say weather experts. The primary cause is the resurgence of El Nino in the Pacific. This weather phenomenon wreaks havoc on Australia every few years, but there is the possibility that 2015 will rival the worst in recent memory: the droughts of 1997-98 and 1982-83.

What does this translate to for Australians? In the grander scheme it means ‘Everyone will be affected’. Australians living in townships can expect water restrictions. This is because many local councils supply water from reservoirs, not groundwater. These supplies are vulnerable to droughts.

Workers employed in water-heavy industries may be impacted as well, as reported by experts on the impact of climate on water resources. “Less rainfall typically also means warmer temperatures and so it’s quite possible we’ll see warm or even record-breaking temperatures over the summer,” University of Adelaide senior lecturer Dr Seth Westra said. “Thus, any sort of water-sensitive industry or just drinking water supplies can potentially be affected.”

So what does this mean for the car wash industry? There are two subsequent consequences of the predicted heat to come which will reflect upon increased water conservation within the car wash industry itself and also increased restrictions on consumers and locals. These restrictions on consumers will most likely lead locals to use their local car wash and thus it is expected that the car wash industry will see a boom over this period.

With Environmental authorities, Water Authorities and Local Councils now fully aware of the environmental impact of home car washing, appropriate laws and regulations and enforcing of current laws is being stepped up to counter these negative impacts and water shortages, hence leading those that would typically wash their car at home to use their local car wash instead.

Furthermore, many parts of Australia experience Water Restrictions due to low rainfall. The car wash industry is currently experiencing a phenomenal growth. This can be attributed to various factors including:

• The increased number of cars on our roads
• Busy lives – people just don’t have time and are time poor
• Water restrictions imposed due to low rainfall in many parts of Australia
• Property size – many residents, particularly those living inner city, simply don’t have the space to wash their car at home;
• Possibly the most significant factor in the popularity of regulated eco-friendly car washing services are the environmental concerns regarding pollutants going down our storm water drains. According to the Australian Car Wash Association, the waste water from residential car washing contributes greatly to stormwater pollution. Whilst it may be perceived that a single residential car wash is inconsequential, when spread over an urban area across the year, the pollution levels becomes significant.

• If you know a drought is on the way. Begin modifying promotions, ads and customer interactions to make sure that we’re educating customers about your low water usage.
• If restrictions are being talked about: Start modifying wash packages or configurations so that you’re taking steps to reduce fresh water usage – and let customers and regulators know about this.
• Educate your community: If you are recycling water be sure you are telling your customers via signage, promotions and in your greetings