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1 <br /> Automobile Washing <br /> Many residents wash their cars in the driveway or on the street. Wash waters typically flow to a storm <br /> drain or ditch, which discharges stormwater directly to the underlying groundwater or to the nearest <br /> stream, lake, or Puget Sound. Soaps and detergents, even the biodegradable ones, can have immediate <br /> and long-term effects on aquatic life in water bodies. The grime washed off the car also contains a variety <br /> of pollutants that can harm fish and wildlife. <br /> Suggested BMPs <br /> At Home: <br /> • Wash your car directly over your lawn or make sure the wash water drains to a vegetated <br /> area. This allows the water and soap to soak into the ground instead of running off into a <br /> local water body. <br /> • Ideally, no soaps or detergents should be used, but if you do use one, select one without <br /> phosphates. <br /> • Commercial products are available that allow you to clean a vehicle without water. These <br /> were developed for areas where water is scarce, so a water saving benefit is realized, as well <br /> as reduced pollution. <br /> • Use a hose nozzle with a shut-off valve to save water. <br /> • Do not wash your car if rain is expected. <br /> • Pour the bucket of soapy, dirty wash water down your sink. This way the water doesn't <br /> pollute surface water. Instead, it's treated at the wastewater treatment plant or by your septic <br /> system. <br /> Away from Home: <br /> • Consider not washing your car at home. Take it to a commercial car wash that has a recycle <br /> system and discharges wastewater to the sanitary sewer for treatment. <br /> 8 <br />