|
|
Allowing car wash waste water to enter a storm drain pollutes our
lake, river, streams and ponds.
- Most of the storm drains in Redmond flow into a lake, river or
local stream.
- The problem starts with the soap--even biodegradable soaps can
harm creatures living in local waters.
- Car wash waste water also contains oil, grease, grim, heavy
metals, and other materials that are toxic to fish and other aquatic
life.
- It is illegal to allow car wash waste water to flow into a storm
drain--the city often tries to enforce this code through education.
Protect our streams, lake and river:
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles its water or sends its
wash water to a sanitary sewer.
- Drive your car onto your lawn and allow the grass and soil to
act as a natural filter, capturing the material from your car.
- If you plan to hold a fundraising car wash, contact the City of
Redmond to borrow the Charity Car Wash Kit that diverts wash water
from storm drain systems (see accompanying article).
- If you donate to a fundraising car wash, make sure that they are
using a kit that diverts water away from the storm drain system.
The City of Redmond encourages groups to look for alternative
fundraising events--such as selling car wash coupons. However, should
you decide to have a car wash, you must contact the city to reserve a
car wash kit or use a facility that has a car wash kit on their
property.
For more information on this topic, call Peter Holte, Habitat
Stewardship Coordinator, at 425-556-2822 or e-mail
pholte@redmond.gov
To read more about the true impact of car washing, link to the following
articles from Stormwater Magazine:
http://www.stormh2o.com/may-june-2002/carwash-successful-residential.aspx
http://www.stormh2o.com/october-2007/puget-car-wash.aspx
|
