Photo by M. Jovan, 2015


Did you know...
Outdoor car washing results in large amounts of dirt, road grime, oil, and heavy metals flowing into waterways. The soapy water used to wash the car flows down the street and into storm drains. Water that enters storm drains travels directly to the nearest body of water without being treated. 
You can help!

Use a commercial car wash.
This is the best option to keep harmful chemicals from entering our streams and lakes. Commercial car wash water is recycled and sent to the wastewater plant for treatment.

Wash on your lawn.
When washing your car at home, wash it on your lawn or a pervious surface, so the wash water can soak into the ground and pollutants will be filtered out. Use phosphorus-free soap to decrease the amount of nutrients entering our waterways. Excess nutrients harm water quality and aquatic life.

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 778-7970. This will prevent the rinsed water from being sent down the drain into the lake. They also have directions for businesses that may want to build their own. 
  • 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. If you are interested in selling car wash coupons for your fundraiser, contact Terry Todd at Sunset Car Wash: 734-1300 ext. 10.
  • Conduct fundraiser car-wash events at The Public Market, which has an outdoor area that drains to the sewer system where the water is treated. 

    Wash Right