Case Study

Client Scenario

Our client, an automotive service provider in Johannesburg, was facing significant costs due to their industrial effluent charges.

The facility had an underground separation tank where all the surface water from car washes and service areas drained. Every six months, the client received a water invoice of R168,000. This high cost was due to the presence of hydrocarbons in the industrial effluent, which led to elevated Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and pH levels. The City of Johannesburg charges for industrial effluent based on these readings, meaning the higher the COD and pH levels, the higher the rate per kilolitre used. With escalating bills and no clear solution, the client sought our expertise to tackle the problem.
 

How We Addressed the Problem

After a thorough investigation of the client’s situation, we developed a two-pronged approach to reduce the effluent charges.

First, we introduced a weekly dosing of our enzyme-based Authentic Oil Powder into the underground separation tanks. This specialised formula is designed to break down hydrocarbons effectively and reducing COD levels.

Simultaneously, we replaced the existing floor cleaning products with an eco-friendly degreaser. This step ensured that any runoff entering the separation tank was less contaminated, further reducing the effluent’s chemical load.
 

The Outcome for Our Client

Our intervention resulted in significant cost savings for the client. By lowering the COD levels in their industrial effluent, we reduced their billing rate from R53 per kiloliter to R32 per kiloliter, the minimum rate at that time.

Over the next six-month period, this brought their industrial effluent charges down from R168,000 to R80,000 – a saving of more than 50% on their municipal bill. The client not only benefited financially but also enhanced their environmental compliance by using more sustainable cleaning practices.

By implementing our targeted solution, we helped the client achieve substantial savings while maintaining their operational efficiency and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.