Car Wash Fundraisers
Community car wash events are a popular means of raising money for worthwhile causes . However , car wash fundraisers can be a significant source of stormwater pollution . These events are usually held in heavily paved areas where there is little runoff control or grass to filter out harmful substances . If runoff from car washes is not properly managed , it can negatively impact our local creeks and rivers .
Wash water from car washing activities typically contains dirt ( sediment ), soap ( detergent / surfactants ), gasoline and motor oil , as well as metals and oil / grease residues from exhaust fumes and brake pads . When this dirty water is allowed to flow into storm drains , it travels directly to our local creeks and rivers without treatment . This pollution can kill or harm fish and other aquatic life and make our waterways unsafe for drinking , swimming and fishing . Alone , one car wash fundraiser event may not create a significant adverse environmental impact . But , collectively , car wash fundraiser events can contribute large amounts of polluted wash water to our local waterways .
Planning a Low Impact Car Wash Fundraiser
Consider holding your car washing fundraiser at a commercial car wash . Wash water from commercial car washes goes to sewage treatment plants rather than down a storm drain . Call your local car wash to ask if they offer fundraising options for schools , teams , and charities .
If you choose not to partner with a commercial car wash , try to incorporate these practices to reduce the overall environmental impact of your fundraiser :
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�� Selecting the site for your car wash is very important . When talking to property owners of shopping centers , schools or churches where you are considering holding the event , ask them where the water flows from the storm drains on the property . The best locations will have some storm water management controls in place . These controls include grass swales , sand filters , oil and grit separators , storm water management ponds , and wetlands that treat storm water before it is discharged to a stream .