Jun 09, 2008 ../pictures/thumbnails/00155-WashingCar-tn.jpg When you're washing your car in the driveway, remember you're not just washing your car in the driveway.

Homeowners and Stormwater - Further Reading

How to Prevent Pollution When You Wash Your Car

When you wash your car on your driveway, all the soap scum and oily grit runs along the curb, then flows into the storm drain and directly into our lakes, streams and waterways. That causes pollution which is unhealthy for fish. So how do you avoid this whole mess? Easy. Wash your car on grass or gravel instead of the street. Or take it to a car wash where the water gets treated and recycled.

Why?

Keep wash water out of storm drains.

Clean water is of vital importance for our health, economy, and environment. It exists in very limited suppy. We all benefit from clean water — and all of us have a role in keeping our lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater clean.

What Is the Problem?

The current number one water pollution problem comes from diffuse or "nonpoint sources" like cars leaking oil, fertilizers washing off of fields, lawns, and gardens, and failing septic systems. Making small changes to ordinary activities around the home, like how you wash your car, can make a difference.

What Can You Do?

• Wash your car on a grassy area if possible, so the ground can filter the water naturally. Use soap sparingly. Try to use non-phosphate detergents.
• Use a high pressure, low volume hose that has a pistol grip or trigger nozzle to save water. Wash one section of the car at a time and rinse it quickly.
• When you're done, empty your bucket of soapy water down the sink, not in the street.
• Best of all, take your car to a commercial car wash, especially if you plan to clean the engine or the bottom of the car. Most car washes reuse wash water several times before sending it for treatment at the sewage treatment plant.
• If you plan to hold a car wash "fund raising event," contact your local sewer or public works department. They can provide suggestions on alternatives to direct discharge of soapy water to a sanitary sewer system.