Mobile Vehicle Washing
Preventing runoff from mobile car washing activities from entering our streets and storm drains helps protect our waterways from pollution! All sources of pollution, including runoff from mobile car washing activities, 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 mobile car washing and detailing services contains pollutants such as soaps and cleaning agents that are high in phosphorus.
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An abundance of phosphorus is one of the leading contributors to harmful aquatic algae blooms in our water ways 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?
- Dispose of waste thoughtfully: water contaminated by cleaning activities must be emptied into the sewer system (sink or drain connected to the sewer) where it can be correctly treated at a wastewater plant.
- 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 mobile car washing business include ensuring 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:
- Mobile Vehicle Washing
- Loading Areas and Dumpsters | Zonas de Carga y Contenedores de Basura
- Building and Pavement Washing | Lavado de Edificios y Pavimentos
- General Pollution Prevention | Prevención de Contaminación General
- Materials Management and Spill Response | Manejo de Materiales y Derrames
- Inspect Your Business | Inspeccione Su Negocio
- Train Your Employees | Entrene Sus Empleados
Know before you go…
Waste water from car washing must be captured and emptied into a sink that drains to the sanitary sewer.
If you would like to report a car washing 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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