Car Washing
Washing Your Car Without Washing the Watershed
A clean car does help our water supply by not adding dirt and oils to the roads when it rains or snows, however, it is best to wash your car only when it really needs it. The summer always seems like a great time to take care of all the grime that’s been building up over the winter, but remember, we have the greatest amount of water use in the county during the driest time of year. So the less you can wash your car in the summer, the more water you conserve.
The best option is to use a commercial car wash. Most car washes recycle the water and any that is not recycled goes to the water treatment plant.
If you do wash your car at home, do so on the lawn or on a gravel driveway where the soils can absorb most of the rinse water rather than on the pavement where the water runs into the nearest storm drain and then into the lake. Be aware, however that soap can destroy the soil structure and eventually make it difficult for grass to grow, according to Craig MacConnell, WSU Cooperative Ext (from Lake Whatcom Website)
Alternative (non-toxic) Cleaners:
Storm drains in your neighborhood do not direct waste water to the sewer system, they direct water to tributaries and lakes. Any products that enter storm drains can end up in the nearest water source, such as Lake Whatcom or its tributaries. So when washing your car at home, your choice of cleaning products can help to reduce the impacts if they enter water.
Look for cleaners that indicate they are “Phosphate Free”. Phosphates result in an increase in algal growth, which reduces the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water and suffocates fish and other aquatic life. Additionally, if a product comes with a warning on it such as “harmful if swallowed”, “avoid contact with skin”, “do not get in open cuts or sores”, or many other health warnings it is probably one to avoid.
Alternatives to Toxic Cleaners
- Soap: choose phosphate free and non-toxic soap, use as little as possible
- Scouring Powders: baking soda
- Fiberglass: baking soda paste
- Decks and Floors: one cup white vinegar in two gallons water
- Windows: one cup vinegar in one cup warm water, rinse and squeegee
- Aluminum: two tablespoons cream of tarter in one quart hot water
- Copper: lemon juice and salt
- Brass: worchestershire sauce or paste made of equal parts salt, vinegar, and water; rinse
- Chrome: apple cider vinegar to clean; baby oil to polish
- Drain Opener: pour vinegar and baking soda in drain and follow with boiling water
- Mildew: paste of equal parts of either lemon juice and salt or vinegar and salt
- Wood: three parts olive oil and one part white vinegar
- For Your Hands: baby oil or margarine
Car Wash Fundraisers
Car washes are a popular way to raise money for a team, organization or your favorite charity. Next time you want to hold a car wash consider these two options:
- Contact the City of Bellingham for a Storm Drain Kit at 676-6850. This will prevent the rinsed water from being sent down the drain and into the lake. They also have directions for businesses that may want to build their own! Or link to their website for more information: Storm Drain Kits
- Contact local car washes and sell car wash tickets. This is a much more watershed friendly method and allows donors to get their cars washed at their convenience!
