Carpet Cleaning Industry
Preventing runoff from carpet and upholstery cleaning activities from entering our streets and storm drains helps protect our waterways from pollution! All sources of pollution, including runoff from carpet and upholstery cleaning, are prohibited from leaving your property and entering streets or storm drains. Only rainwater is allowed in the streets and storm drains.
Did you know…
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The waste water generated by activities such as carpet, drape, and upholstery cleaning contain high levels of phosphorus. An abundance of phosphorus is one of the leading contributors to harmful aquatic algae blooms in our waterways which degrades water quality.
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Releasing pollutants directly or indirectly into the storm drain system is a violation of the County’s Watershed Protection Ordinance (WPO).
What can I do?
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Dispose of waste thoughtfully: Water contaminated by cleaning activities must be emptied into the sewer system (sink, toilet, bath) where it can be correctly treated at a wastewater plant.
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Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) for your business: BMPs are techniques or controls used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants, such as soaps and other cleaners, into the storm drain system. BMPs for a carpet cleaning business include ensuring that all staff are correctly trained, maintaining your equipment to avoid leaks and investing in equipment that minimizes water use.
Want to learn more?
The resources below provide suggested BMPs and further information on how to protect our waterways. Click the buttons to view available languages:
Know before you go…
Carpet cleaning waste water must be emptied into a sink or other connection that drains to the sanitary sewer.
If you would like to report a carpet and upholstery discharge concern, have questions about our program, or would like additional information call the County Storm Drain Pollution hotline at: 1(888) 846-0800 or e-mail us at watersheds@sdcounty.ca.gov
Thank you for doing your part to protect our waterways!
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