While searching for information on
HowToWashCar I ran across a site that at first seemed to be satirical, or maybe just plain mean-spirited. Finally I realized that the site was quite sincere - but misguided.
Here is the
Australian EPA's take on how to wash a car :
Washing the car
Cars that are washed in the street can pollute our rivers and harbours. The soapy water that runs off the car into the gutters, goes into the stormwater system. Stormwater, unlike the water which enters the sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged into our waterways. Any pollutants in stormwater end up in our lakes, rivers, harbours and oceans. Polluting waterways in this way is a breach of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and may result in a $750 fine for individuals or a $1500 fine for corporations.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) receives enquiries from car owners who are concerned that they may be fined for washing their cars on the street. Car owners also want to know how to wash their cars in ways which minimise the impact on the environment.
The EPA believes that a combination of education and 'best practice' is generally more appropriate than fines, so this leaflet contains information for members of the community about the impact that washing a car has on the environment, and about their legal obligations.
- Yet we begin by threatening you with a $750 fine.
How big is the problem?
The waste water that runs off a car when it is washed contains a range of substances that may pollute the environment. These include soaps and detergents, mud, rubber and grease.
- Better watch out - we don't want any of that mud getting into the environment .
- And where is that rubber coming from? And where would it have gone if you hadn't washed it off? Wouldn't it have dropped off onto the street, where it would then wash into the storm drain ?
If these substances enter the stormwater system, they will eventually find their way into our lakes, rivers, harbours and oceans - wherever the stormwater discharges.
- It probably discharges somewhere near the diesel-powered oil-filled tankers tied up in the harbour.
There are approximately 3.2 million vehicles registered in NSW. If every vehicle was washed once a month with 40 litres of water (5 buckets), over 1500 million litres of polluted water could enter the stormwater system every year.
- Nice statistic! I guess water never evaporates in New South Wales, thus ensuring that every milliliter used flows instantly into the otherwise pristine storm drains.
Where to wash your car
- Try to wash your car on a grassy area to minimise the runoff. However, if this grassy area is on a nature strip, make sure you are not causing any disruption or inconvenience to pedestrians as this is an offence against regulations administered by local councils.
- Wash your car in the driveway if it drains onto a lawn or garden area, but avoid using the driveway if the water runs into a street or drain.
- Always ensure the area where you wash your car does not drain into the stormwater system, including the drains in the street.
- If you have no suitable area to wash your car, look for an alternative location - perhaps your friends or neighbours have a suitable area you can use.
- Some service stations provide an area for car washing, where runoff water is treated to remove pollutants before it goes into the sewer.
When you wash your car
- Use a trigger hose - or even better, a bucket - to save water.
- Use detergents and soaps sparingly. Better still, just use plain water, a coarse sponge and a little elbow grease.
- Because we don't care if you scratch the finish on your car. In fact we don't really think you should even own a car - we have a perfectly usable public transportation system.
- Dispose of waste water onto a garden or lawn.
- Consider washing your car only once a month.
Commercial car washes
Commercial car wash premises treat waste water before disposing of it in the sewer. But remember, a commercial car wash uses far more hot water and soap than hand washing. There are also some newer commercial car washes which clean, recycle and reuse water in their 'do it yourself' car wash bays. These systems use much less water than standard car wash premises and all waste water is treated before disposal. Check whether your car wash company recycles its water. Car wash companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under motor car & truck cleaning services.
--
DaleBrayden - 10 Aug 2002
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