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STORMWATER STRAIGHT TALK: My car is clean, but what about my local waterways

  • Published
  • Robins Public Affairs

Around this time of year, we start to notice the grease, oil, dirt and grime that has collected on our cars over the winter and early spring. This is the time that many of us pick up our hoses and soap buckets and give our vehicles a much-needed washing. It is great to have a clean, fresh start.

However, as we enjoy our summer lake activities like swimming and fishing, it is important to keep in mind the impacts that do-it-yourself car washing has on our local waterways and environment.

When we wash our cars at home, the wash water flows down driveways, parking lots and streets to the stormwater sewer system. The stormwater system discharges directly to rivers, lakes and streams without treatment. Pollutants that accumulate on vehicles may include gasoline, residue from exhaust fumes, oil, grease or heavy metals. In addition, soaps that are used for car washing can contain pollutants, which affect water quality and aquatic life.

Under the Houston County Water Resources Protection Ordinance, there are no prohibitions against residential car washing. However, there are ways to reduce pollutants in stormwater.

Wash your car at a commercial car-washing facility. These facilities must comply to regulations that are designed to protect the quality of water. Commercial car washes usually filter and reuse their water and eventually direct it to a water treatment plant before it goes back into our water resources. These facilities also help to save water and use over 60% less water than a car wash at home.

Wash your car over pervious surfaces like grass or gravel instead of impervious pavement. By allowing water to flow into the ground, the different layers of soil act as filters to significantly decrease the amount of pollutants that end up in our waterways.

Minimize water usage. If less water is used, less runoff will be generated. Help conserve water by turning off the hose when not in use, using a nozzle that automatically stops flow, and not washing just before a rain event.

Use environmentally friendly soap. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free soap. Phosphate can promote unhealthy algae growth, which harms local freshwater species.

Empty soap buckets and dirty water into sinks or toilets. Water will be directed to a water treatment plant to remove pollutants before entering waterways.

For more information, call (478) 327-8941.

Stormwater Straight Talk is a quarterly column intended to educate and inform base personnel and families about stormwater management.