Education & Action - Clean Cars - Clean Streams
The City of Olympia is home to 18 miles of streams and a thriving community of creatures that are threatened by pollution entering these surface waters every day. Soapy grimy water from car washing that flows into a storm drain will eventually end up in the Puget Sound.
Only clean rain water should be going into storm drains. Learn the best ways to car wash your car at home or host a charity car wash to keep soap, even biodegradable types, and grime out of our creeks and other waterways.
What is the best way to wash my car?
At a car wash that recycles water and connects to the sanitary sewer system or a local charity car wash at an approved location. Call 360.753.8346 for current listin
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Why shouldn't I wash my car at home?
When cars are washed in streets, alleys, and parking lots, the dirty rinse water often goes into a storm drain. The dirty car wash water contains soap and detergent, and residues from exhaust fumes, gasoline, motor oil, heavy metals, and road grime washed off the car. In Olympia, with the exception of two areas downtown, the stormwater is not treated at the wastewater treatment plant, but goes directly into a stormwater pond, a stream, and/or Puget Sound.
By washing your car in your driveway or on the street, the dirty water rinsed off your car will likely make it into a nearby creek or Puget Sound.
What's so bad about a little bit of dirty car water going down the storm drain?
Soap, detergent, and grime contain chemicals that are harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Even "biodegradable" and "low phosphate" soaps contain harmful chemicals and should NOT go down storm drains. A little bit of soap and grime from a lot of people becomes LOTS of soap and pollution.
Detergents in soap dissolve the grease and grime off cars, but when the detergents end up in creeks they dissolve the protective slippery mucous layer on fish and natural oils in the fish gills. Without the protective mucous layer, fish are more susceptible to bacterial diseases and parasites, and oxygen transfer in their gills is impaired. Just a tiny bit of detergent in the water can cause these problems for aquatic life.
The "grime" that gets rinsed off the car contains heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life.
How do commercial car washes keep Puget Sound clean?
The soapy and dirty water at these businesses will be treated at the wastewater treatment plant just like the water you use inside your home and business.
How do I know if a charity car wash is at an approved site?
Look for Clean Cars-Clean Streams signs! The sign assures you that the group holding the car wash is not polluting our streams.
How can I organize an approved charity car wash?
To have a site approved or borrow Clean Cars-Clean Streams charity car wash signs, call City staff at 360.753.8346.
Are there fundraising options to holding a charity car wash?
Yes, your group can raise money without washing cars by selling car wash vouchers. Your group will receive proceeds from each voucher sold for Shur-Kleen 360.352.2484, and/or Hulbert Car Wash 360.956.7288. Clean Finish 360.236.7298 offers a free car wash bay for groups to use.
Contact Public Works