If you wash your car in a driveway, parking lot, or street, all the soap, dirt, salt, oil, and grease run along the curb and into a storm drain. Storm drains connect to sewer pipes, which then lead to our streams and rivers. The dirty wash water causes river pollution, which hurts fish, recreation, and water quality. 

Avoid this whole mess by taking your car to a commercial car wash, which are required to treat the dirty wash water and dispose of it properly. They also use clean water more efficiently and recycle wash water when possible, reducing water waste.  

If you can’t take your car to a commercial car wash, make sure to only wash your car on grass or gravel, which helps soak up and filter the wash water before it gets to storm drains. Wash with just water or a biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based cleaner to reduce water pollution. Instead of a hose, wash with a bucket and sponge to minimize your water usage.

Learn more at pgh2o.com/help-manage-stormwater.