Car wash rules protect watershed

GUEST EDITORIAL

GUEST EDITORIAL

MOSES LAKE - It's finally summer! Swimsuits, sunflowers and car washes are blooming all across Moses Lake. The City of Moses Lake's stormwater department wants to help residents understand how to keep the fun stuff growing and algae in our surface waters down.

Charity car washes are a time-honored tradition. There's a way to have them safely and protect our surface waters at the same time. There's been a whole lot of confusion in the state recently about stormwater regulations and where car washing fits in. That's where your stormwater department can help. The good news is that the city allows these car washes when they are located in areas that the wash water does not enter the lake or the storm sewer.

You may have seen the storm drain markers on our curbs which say, "No Dumping - Drains to Lake." Storm drains in Moses Lake, as in most cities, are not connected to the sanitary sewer system or to a waterwater treatment plant. Moses Lake has a separate storm sewer system, which carries runoff in some areas of the city directly to wetlands and surface water. In these areas, pollutants in runoff can get carried through these drains directly to our watershed untreated. This system has been in place for many years and works very well, as long as people understand how to protect the storm drains. The Clean Water Act, Washington state requirements, and city municipal code govern what can and can't be discharged into storm sewer systems, and for good reason - it's just good stewardship of our greatest natural resource!

Fundraiser car washes are a summertime tradition, but held incorrectly they can be devastating to our watershed. These events are usually held in heavily paved and traveled areas where runoff, including soapy water, oils, grease and heavy metals from vehicles can easily reach the storm sewer system. Here are some ways to hold your group car wash safely:

• Always get permission from the property owner before holding a car was event, even vacant locations need permission from the property owner

• Whenever possible, choose a place that has grass or gravel for washing. This allows most of the water to percolate the ground rather than run off.

• Minimize soap use, and choose phosphate free detergents

• Before beginning, remove all trash and debris from the wash area

• Use a shutoff nozzle on hoses to conserve water and prevent runoff

• Don't wash undercarriages or engine compartments, and do not use degreasers

• Always empty your soapy buckets into a sink or toilet, never into the lot, street, gutter or drain

• It's against city code for your car wash to discharge any water to the street, to a storm drain or to the curb and gutter

• The city is currently exploring other ways to help volunteer groups keep surface water safe, including car wash kits and commercial car wash partnerships

• Call use at 509-764-3792 for a list of locations that are prohibited. There are a few locations in town that have direct drainage either to the lake or the stormwater system. We would be happy to help you find the safest way to hold your car wash.

It takes all of us making small changes to achieve great results. The city is committed to keeping car washing a fun, safe summertime tradition and our watershed clean. Please help do your party by being "water-friendly" with your next car wash event!