Green Your Car Wash

Traditional car wash fundraisers can cause water pollution if wash water flows to the storm drain. Water from washing cars not only contains dirt and soap, but also oil, grease, and metals such as copper, nickel, and zinc. Dirty wash water from car wash fundraisers held in parking lots or on the street flows into the storm drains and goes straight to local creeks and the Bay without any treatment.

Water Use Rules

When using a hose for car washing, a shut-off nozzle that shuts off automatically when the handle is released is required. View Water Use Rules.

Partner with a Commercial Car Wash

Commercial car washes, including those at gas stations, drain wash water to local wastewater treatment facilities that remove pollutants. Commercial car washes also use water efficient technology, and often recycle the wash water.

• Contact local commercial car washes for discounted passes that you can sell at a higher price to raise funds.
• Hold the event at a commercial car wash and ask them to donate part of the profits if you help to advertise.
• Partner with a self-serve car wash to host the event at their facility and wash cars for tips.

For questions, please call 408-945-3000.