Outdoor car washing that uses detergent-rich water can flow down the street and into the storm drain. This water may contain high amounts of nutrients, metals, and hydrocarbons that storm water does not need. According to the Center for Watershed Protection, between 70 and 90 percent of United States residents reported that their car wash water drained directly into the street and possibly to the nearest stream. Below are several items to remember when washing your vehicle:
- If pumping water into a sanitary sewer drain is not possible, try to pump the water onto grass or a landscaping area for filtration
- Wash your car on gravel, grass, or any other surface with good permeability
- You can block off the storm drain using an insert to catch car wash water
- Use hoses that have nozzles that automatically turn off when left unattended
- Use only biodegradable soaps