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Green Education

Fundraiser Car Washes

For many clubs and teams, car washing is a fundraising ritual. However, most people don’t realize that washing the grime off vehicles might actually be causing harm to our local waterways.

GOOD TO KNOW

When cars are washed on hard surfaces like streets, parking lots or driveways, the wash water (including the soap, dirt, grease and other pollutants) drains into the stormwater system and flows directly into our local waterways– polluting the water we swim in and the seafood we love to eat.

Doing a fundraiser? Partner with a professional car wash to ensure pollution will be properly handled.

GOOD TO DO

Best Strategy

  • The best option is to partner with a commercial car wash and hold your fundraiser there. You can also sell commercial car wash coupons as a fundraiser instead of holding a car wash event.

If you do host your own car wash fundraiser, follow these guidelines.

bucket iconCar Wash Kits

  • Car wash kits divert wash water away from storm drains to soak into grassy areas. Kits include:
    • Drain seal
    • Submersible pump
    • Extension cord
    • Hydra barrier
    • Garden hose
    • GFCI adapter
  • To request a car wash kit, contact your local stormwater office or email [email protected].
  • View our helpful car wash kit tutorial video here.

 Cleaners

  • Use biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based cleaners only.

Reduce Runoff

  • Minimize water usage and runoff by using a hose nozzle with flow restrictions.
  • Wash on an area that absorbs water, such as gravel or grass. These surfaces can filter water before it enters local waterways. Avoid washing cars on concrete or asphalt pavement unless it drains into a vegetated area.
  • Wring sponges and rags into a bucket instead of onto the ground.
  • Always empty wash buckets into a sink, toilet or vegetated area.

Only rain down the storm drain!

SEE WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

Find the leak and fix the leak

How to save money and water

Pick up the poo for clean waterways

Take the Scoop-the-Poop Pledge

Remember paper, plastic bottles, metal cans...

Take our fun quiz!
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Bay Star Business Logo with the tagline working together for clean healthy waterways

IS YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS A BAY STAR?

We live in a beautiful region surrounded by water. It impacts everything from the food we eat to the fun we have as well as our economic livelihood. Our daily actions have a lasting impact and it's up to us to protect and restore our waterways. It takes a community of individuals making small changes to make a difference. Getting involved in the Bay Star programs is one way you can be part of the effort to protect our region's most defining natural resource, water.

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