ENGL210 Technical Professional Writing

Technical Report

Water Wastage in Manual Car Washes in Qatar

Khalifa Al-Jehani
Huzaifa Sange
Leen Hajibi
Saoud Al-Khater
Zainab Khursheed

12 March 2023
Problem
Our team identified and prioritized ‘Water Wastage in Manual Car Washes in Qatar’ to be a
problem requiring an immediate solution. This problem was specifically chosen considering that
Qatar is a dry land and the excessive usage of water in manual car washes contradicts with the
country’s goal towards sustainability. The problem was identified by the members of the team
when visiting gas stations for the purpose of having their cars washed manually. According to
the yearly reports from Woqod between the years 2016 and 2018, it was found that there is an
average of 298673 cubic meters per year or 818281 liters per day of water being wasted on
manual car washes particularly. The team came to a conclusion that this problem requires an
immediate solution which would otherwise lead to adverse effects on the already dry land.
Furthermore, according to the Woqod report and interviewing a car wash technician, manual car
wash was found to be used more in comparison to the automatic car wash which not only uses
less water but also recycles about 90% of its water used (SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2017,
pg.57). However, due to the climate of Qatar being hot and dry, the dryers in the automatic wash
tend to collect a lot of sand which when used to dry the cars, act almost like sandpaper, ruining
the exteriors of the cars. For the very reason, manual car wash is used more frequently by car
owners here in Qatar, resulting in extremely high rates of water wastage on a daily basis leading
to an unsustainable Qatar. The process of desalination of water required for the car wash is not
only expensive, but also consumes a lot of energy on a per day basis. When the
above-mentioned amount of water is used up daily, a good percentage of which is wasted, it
leads to the wastage of an equal amount of energy and money required to desalinate the water.

Purpose
Water waste has become a global problem, and it might be worse for Qatar, given the geographical
aspects of the country. If this is not acted upon quickly, this may lead to major problems in the
coming future. As mentioned in the previous section of the report, the team has focussed on the
water that is vastly wasted in ‘manual’ car wash in gas stations across Qatar. The outcomes of
the project can be classified under two categories: Social/environmental and academic.
Under the restrictions imposed on the team for the sake of the project, our main purpose was to
focus on the environment and find how these stations use water and how much of this water is
recycled from the car wash itself. Additionally, we aim to find ways in which this water can be
reused for various other purposes, contributing to the sustainability of the country.
As for the academic purpose, we as a team develop the skill to identify a potential problem
around us and link it to sustainability of the natural resource and of the country. We are also
learning on how to visualize these problems via presentations and collecting and displaying data
in order to inform the audience that consists of selected faculty. Moving further in the project, we
will be proposing potential solutions to solve this problem.

Objectives
The objective, similar to the purpose of this project, can be classified in two categories:
Social/Environmental Objectives and Academic Objectives. Since we ourselves can neither stop
nor can we reduce the number of cars that come to the gas station to get a car wash. The
actions we can take to measure the environmental changes taking in favor of the problem are:
 ● Ensure that the water being used for the mentioned purpose is being treated properly.
● Ensure that the treated water is what is being used for the purpose of washing the cars
(reusing the water after treatment).
● Observe if the treated water is also being used for various other purposes like watering
the plants across the country and industrial use.
● Find possible solutions to counter these problems as for the future scope of the project.

Following these outcomes, we can measure how the proposed solutions could work and can be
solved hereafter.

The Academic objectives of the project are listed as follows:

● Learning how to write a professional and technical report for a project keeping in mind
the audience and purpose of the project.
● Encouraging ourselves and fellow teammates to actively participate in the brainstorming
process of the project, that is to identify potential problems for the project.
● Providing positive feedback to our fellow team members on the ideas they present on
the table is also encouraged.
● Using various tools to incorporate a variety of ideas for the purpose of the project.
● Applying the strategies and ideas given to us in the team workshops that were provided
to us in class for effective writing.

Scope
We have identified wastewater resulting from manual car washing services as a significant
sustainability issue present in Qatar, and that a solution to improve the efficiency of car washing
should be considered and explored. Our focus will be on Woqod petrol stations found across
Qatar, since they provide car washing services in most of its petrol stations across Qatar
(Woqod. (n.d.). AUTO CARE SERVICES). Automatic car washing is excluded from our problem,
since they are designed to attack the excess water waste problems produced by manual car
wash services, however comparisons will be made. We aim to address Qatar’s citizens and
residents that have the ability to drive a vehicle. Furthermore, car wash wastewater does not
affect the customers of the car wash services or the communities living nearby, since it passes
through built-in drains. According to Woqod’s sustainability reports, they hold responsibility for
wastewater treatment, by partnership with contractors accredited by the Ministry of Environment
& Municipality (“SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2017”, pg.57). Short on-site interviews with several
Woqod technicians and customers were conducted, plus passing online surveys around
campus, friends and relatives. Furthermore, the main factors that rose to our attention were
water and chemical detergent waste, which has effects on the environment, and the labor of
technicians that wash and dry hundreds of customers' vehicles daily. From interviews and
surveys, many people in Qatar prefer using a manual car wash, due to them trusting the
washing quality and technique used by the technician and not trusting cleanliness of the
mechanical brushes used in auto car wash which may scratch the car’s body. On the other
hand, the fewer percentage of people favored using an automatic car wash, caring to get their
car washed with less effort and quick, and didn’t mind the possibility of micro scratches to
occur.
Previous & Current Research
Manual car washing in Qatar can have significant environmental impacts due to water scarcity
and pollution of water sources and soil. Car washing can use a substantial amount of water,
which can exacerbate the water scarcity, a major problem in Qatar, as the country has limited
freshwater resources. According to the Qatar Statistics Authority, the total renewable freshwater
resources in Qatar were estimated to be 225 million cubic meters in 2018 (Qatar Statistics
Authority, 2019). Manual car washing can exacerbate this problem, as it can use up to 200 liters
of water per car. Additionally, the wastewater generated during car washing can contain
chemicals that pollute water sources and harm aquatic life (Qatar Statistics Authority, 2019).

To address these issues, Qatar has implemented regulations and guidelines for sustainable car
washing practices. These regulations require car washes to use recycled water or water-efficient
equipment and to dispose of wastewater properly to prevent contamination of water sources
and soil. The Qatar National Vision 2030 (General Secretariat for Development Planning.
(2014). Qatar National Vision 2030) also includes a goal to promote sustainable water use and
reduce water consumption in the country.

By implementing sustainable car washing practices and regulations, it is possible to reduce the
environmental impacts of manual car washing in Qatar. This can help to protect water resources
and ensure that the country is moving towards a more sustainable future.

According to a study conducted by the International Carwash Association (ICA), professional

(automatic) car washes use an average of 40 gallons (151.416 liters) of water per car wash
(ICA, 2020). In contrast, a typical manual car wash can use anywhere from 80 to 140 gallons of
water per wash, depending on factors such as the length of time the hose is left running and the
size of the vehicle (H2O Car Wash, 2021). This means that manual car washing can use up to
four times more water than a professional car wash.

The water waste associated with manual car washing can have significant environmental
implications. In areas experiencing water scarcity or drought, every drop of water counts, and
wasting water on car washing can exacerbate the problem. According to the (EPA,2021)
outdoor water use, including car washing, can account for up to 60% of total household water
use during the summer months (EPA, 2021). This highlights the need to reduce water waste
wherever possible, including during car washing.

Ballestero, Pizarro, and Bolaños (2012) conducted a study to assess the water quality of a river
in Costa Rica that was impacted by car washing activities. The researchers collected water
samples from upstream and downstream of the car washing sites and analyzed them for various
pollutants, including suspended solids, organic matter, and heavy metals. They found that the
car washing activities were a significant source of pollutants, with downstream water quality
being worse than upstream water quality. The researchers concluded that car washing activities
can have a negative impact on water quality and suggested that more effective water treatment
measures are needed to mitigate the environmental impacts.
Khan, Ullah, and Zaman (2015) conducted a study to assess the impacts of car washing on
surface water quality in Peshawar, Pakistan. The researchers collected water samples from a
stream that received wastewater from car washing activities and analyzed them for various
parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids, and heavy metals. They found that the car
washing activities resulted in elevated levels of pollutants in the stream, with heavy metals such
as lead and cadmium being of particular concern. The researchers concluded that car washing
activities can have a negative impact on surface water quality and suggested that regulations
and guidelines are needed to ensure proper disposal of car wash wastewater.

Overall, these studies suggest that manual car washing can have negative environmental
impacts, including water pollution and excessive water use. The studies also suggest that
alternative car washing methods, such as using commercial car washes or washing with a
bucket and sponge, can help to reduce these impacts. Regulations and guidelines can also be
implemented to ensure proper disposal of car wash wastewater and encourage more
sustainable car washing practices.

Some researchers have taken it upon themselves to come up with certain solutions to prevent
the harm caused by manual car washing. Great concepts were created by Hamilton, K. (2017).
Sustainable car washing: A guide for the car wash industry. International Carwash Association.
This guide developed by the International Carwash Association provides recommendations for
sustainable car washing practices, including using commercial car washes, collecting and
treating wastewater, using biodegradable cleaning products, and promoting public education
campaigns.

Another crucial process involved in the process of producing the water consumed by car
washing is desalination. Desalination is the process of removing salt and other minerals from
seawater or brackish water to make it suitable for human consumption or industrial use. While it
provides a reliable source of freshwater in arid regions, it also requires a significant amount of
energy and investment.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), desalination accounted for 0.5% of global
electricity consumption in 2019 (IEA, 2020). The majority of desalination plants use either
thermal or membrane-based technologies, both of which require energy to operate. The energy
consumption of desalination varies depending on the type of technology used, the quality and
temperature of the feedwater, and the size of the plant. In general, thermal desalination requires
more energy than membrane-based desalination. According to the IEA, the specific energy
consumption of desalination plants in the Middle East ranges from 3 to 10 kWh/m3 for thermal
desalination and from 2 to 4 kWh/m3 (IEA, 2016).

The cost of desalination also varies depending on factors such as the technology used, the
location of the plant, and the cost of energy. According to a study by the Qatar Environment and
Energy Research Institute (QEERI), the cost of producing one cubic meter of water using
reverse osmosis (RO) in Qatar ranges from $0.63 to $1.11, while the cost of producing the same
amount of water using thermal desalination ranges from $1.08 to $1.63 (QEERI, 2016).
In conclusion, desalination is an energy-intensive process that requires significant investment.
The energy consumption and cost of desalination vary depending on the technology used and
the location of the plant. In the Middle East, where water scarcity is a significant challenge,
desalination has become a crucial source of freshwater, and countries like Qatar have invested
heavily in desalination infrastructure.

User Needs & Design Constraints

Any solution that is chosen for a problem will have to be applied taking into consideration the
user needs and constraints. The user needs will be dependent on who the primary and
secondary users are, while the design constraints will depend on the requirements for the
solution to be effective.

Primary users
● Car owners and drivers
● Car wash owners
● Car wash employees

The primary users of the solution will be car owners, car wash owners, and car wash
employees. Car owners are users since it will be their cars that are being washed. The needs of
the car driver will also need to be taken into account since it is not certain that the car owner will
be the one driving to the car wash. For these users the main need is that the car is washed
thoroughly, and is undamaged in the process of washing. For the car wash employees, the main
concern is the ease of use of the solution. Lastly, for the car wash owners the main need is to
have the solution be as good or better than the pre-existing manual car wash. Also that the
solution is inexpensive to implement and maintain, and safe to use. The main car washes in
Qatar are the Woqod car washes since they are in most Woqod gas stations (Woqod. (n.d.).
AUTO CARE SERVICES). The combination of these user needs show that a solution would
have to mainly be thorough, ergonomic, safe, and inexpensive.

Another source of constraints that are applied on the solution come from factors relating to the
location. The solution would be better applied in gas stations alongside other car repair and
maintenance stations. It would be applied best by minimizing the space used. Another important
factor relating to the site is the population density of the area, the solution would have to be
implemented in areas to cover the locations that most cars go through. Implementing the
solution in a sparsely populated area would mean very few people would use it.

Additionally, there are constraints related to the given time of the project. With a two month time
constraint the solution will not be applied and tested, the solution will have to be chosen from
the research and analysis. This limits the amount of data informing the final decision.

Required resources
● Money
 ● Energy
● Water

The main resource of any project is money, which would have to be invested into this solution.
Since this solution relates to some of Qatar’s long term goals as seen in the 2030 vision, there
will be justification for investing in a solution to this problem. Another important resource is
energy, which is closely related to money. While a solution might require more energy to apply,
reducing water could reduce the total energy consumption by reducing the amount of
desalination required. An advantage is that existing car wash locations have the infrastructure to
transport energy which will reduce the cost of a solution. Also related to energy and money is
water, which is a critical resource to the solution. The solution will reduce the amount of water
used which will be a net positive, and water already has the pre-existing infrastructure for
transportation.

The main two institutions that could best implement a solution are the Qatar Fuel Company
(QPSC) and Qatar Energy. Therefore a solution will have to be approved and funded by either
institution. Ultimately the funding and approval will be from the government. An alternative
option would be to propose the solution to different car wash companies to implement the
solution, in which case the solution would be privately funded by the companies. In this scenario
the main factor would be the economic viability of the solution, and reduced water waste will be
relevant in as much as it reduces the costs.
References:

Ballestero, E., Pizarro, I., & Bolaños, G. (2012). Assessment of water quality impacts due to car

washing activities. Environmental monitoring and assessment, 184(2), 975-986.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-1997-8

EPA. (2021). Outdoor water use. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor-water-use

General Secretariat for Development Planning. (2014). Qatar National Vision 2030.

https://www.mdps.gov.qa/en/qnv2030/qnv/Documents/QNV2030_English_v2.pdf

H2O Car Wash. (2021). How much water does it take to wash a car?

https://h2ocarwash.com/how-much-water-does-it-take-to-wash-a-car/

International Carwash Association (ICA). (2020). Water usage study.

https://www.carwash.org/docs/default-source/2016-water-usage-study/waterusagestudy2016.pdf?

sfvrsn=bebf1c9f_0

International Energy Agency. (2016). Energy and Water Desalination Outlook for GCC
Countries. https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-water-desalination-outlook-for-gcc-countries

International Energy Agency. (2020). Energy Technology Perspectives 2020.

https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-technology-perspectives-2020

Khan, M. U., Ullah, R., & Zaman, N. (2015). Car washing and surface water quality in Peshawar City,

Pakistan. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 8(1), 137-147.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-1224-7

Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute. (2016). Assessment of the Cost of Seawater
Desalination in Qatar. https://www.qf.org.qa/app/uploads/2017/01/Desalination.pdf

Qatar Statistics Authority. (2019). Monthly statistics bulletin.

http://www.qsa.gov.qa/QatarCensus/Docs/Monthly%20Statistics%20Bulletin%20-%20Dec%202018.

pdf
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2017. (n.d.). Woqod. Retrieved March 10, 2023, from

https://www.woqod.com/EN/AboutUs/QHSSE/Sustainability/Sustainability%20report%20

2017.pdf

Woqod. (n.d.). AUTO CARE SERVICES. Portal. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from

https://www.woqod.com/EN/Fuel_Retail/Pages/Auto-Care-Services.aspx