Charity Carwash Events and the Prevention of Non Point Source Water
Pollution
Water does not
disappear when it goes down the street. It usually enters a storm
drain inlet, and then flows to our creeks, rivers, and lakes. Soap,
oil, and grease are pollutants that are commonly associated with water
from carwash events. The amount of these pollutants entering our
waterways must be reduced.
To
reduce the amount of soap entering the storm drain system and
ultimately our waterways, use the smallest amount necessary. Use
"elbow grease" to clean the cars instead of more soap. It
will mean more profit.
The
soap used should contain no phosphates. Powdered laundry
detergents are usually satisfactory.
Use a minimum
amount of water, buckets with soapy water and fine spray nozzle
for finish rinse.
The
water from washing the cars should drain to a grassy area to keep
pollutants from entering the storm drain system.
If
no grassy area is available, then capture the water and dispose of
it in the sanitary sewer system. You may use a service line clean
out.
