Car Washing & Fundraiser Car Washes
Car Washing
Residents often don’t realize that washing cars in our driveways is one of the most environmentally unfriendly things we can do around the house. Soapy runoff from washing your car picks up pollutants and eventually makes its way to the river untreated via storm drains.
Choose a Commercial Car Wash Facility Instead!
- Waste water is treated at a professional car wash facility
- Federal laws require commercial car wash facilities to drain their waste water into sewer systems, where it gets treated
- They use computer controlled systems and high-pressure nozzles and pumps that minimize water usage
- Most recycle and re-use their rinse water
Wash at Home? Do it the Right Way. The Environmentally-Friendly Way!
- Use biodegradable soap made for automotive parts
- Or make your own car wash by mixing a couple tablespoons of eco-friendly dishwashing detergent with 3 gallons of water
- Wash your car on your lawn instead of your driveway. The grass helps capture and filter the runoff
- Use a hose with a nozzle to save water
Raise Funds for Your Organization with a River-Friendly Car Wash!
If you are planning to host a fundraiser carwash, please consider partnering with a commercial carwash, like Quick Quack. These facilities drain their wastewater into sewer systems, where it gets treated. They also help conserve water by re-using their rinse water.
If you are a carwash facility that would like to host a carwash, the Business Environmental Resource Center (BERC) can help evaluate your site and determine if it’s suitable for fundraiser carwashes. For more information, please contact BERC at 916-874-2100 or visit BERC’s website.