Text Box: Ecosystems’ first no-sewer closed loop recycling system was built in 1984 as part of an anodizing line for a manufacturer in Burbank, CA. Burbank is noted for the high mineral content of its city water and the stringent regulations governing industrial discharges. Ecosystems provided a unique deionization process that made it possible for this plant to operate without a sewer hookup. Although the customer was satisfied with the new system, Taoward Lee, founder of Ecosystems was not. “There has to be a better solution,” he said. “Deionization works, but the amount of waste the regeneration creates and the cost of hauling and disposing of it add to the price of the product. Environmental compliance is best when it saves money, not increases costs. New equipment has to have a payback!” Ecosystems’ next opportunity to provide a closed loop system came in 1985. Caroll Shelby Industries, Inc. decided to manufacture high performance wheels out of a Gardena, CA facility with no sewer hookup. Ecosystems was called in to provide the closed loop water recycling. In 1994, a local power washer manufacturer asked Ecosystems build a zero discharge no-sewer system for a phosphater who had purchased a washer before he moved. The washer was unused at the new location. It was easier for the company to hand-wipe parts than comply with the regulatory burden posed by an industrial sewer permit at the new plant. Ecosystems designed and manufactured a unique reverse osmosis system so the washer could operate without discharge to the sewer. The system paid for itself in 13 months by chemical, water and labor savings, plus the customer experienced improved product quality and a significant reduction in rejects.