Soaps contain phosphates, which weeds and algae that grow in waterbodies love. The weeds and algae grow so much that it is called an "algae bloom". Lots of algae makes our water smell bad, look bad, taste bad, and harms water quality. When all the weeds and algae start to die and decay, they use up all the oxygen that other plants and animals need to survive. This can kill the plants and animals that are supposed to be in the water, like fish.
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Wastewater from our homes and businesses flows to a sanitary sewer for treatment before entering the environment. During a car wash, however, the dirty water containing soap, detergents, residues from wearing brake pads, grease, gasoline, and motor oils does not get treated before entering the environment. If not directed properly, this water flows off the pavement and into nearby storm drains, which often lead right to our natural waterways. In Thornton, storm drains flow into Big Dry Creek, Brantner Gulch, Niver Creek, and Grange Hall Creek, which all eventually end up in the South Platte River and beyond.
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If you do have a Car Wash, please follow these guidelines.
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DO
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DON'T
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•Wash cars on grassed or gravel areas or in an area where water can be directed to grassy areas. •Use only soaps, cleaners, or detergents labeled “non-toxic”, “phosphate free”, or “biodegradable". •Empty buckets of soapy water onto grassed areas and not into a parking lot, street, gutter or storm drain. •Limit washing to the exterior of the vehicle •Properly disperse any sudsy puddles that remain after the car wash is over. They contain toxic residues and attract (and harm) thirsty animals. •Minimize water usage. Use a spray gun with flow restriction to minimize water volume and runoff. •Use detergents sparingly.
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•Wash the engines, transmissions, or undercarriages. •Use metal brightener, chemical degreasers, or hot water. •Empty buckets of soapy water near storm drains. •Use acid-based wheel cleaners. •Use water wastefully.
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Why?
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What goes in here...
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...comes out here.
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Duck in an Algae Bloom
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Please contact City Development at 303-538-7476 one to two weeks before having a car wash event to get a Temporary Use Permit. Other questions can be directed to Infrastructure/Engineering Services at 720-977-6210.
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Following these guidelines can help save our waterbodies and the plants and animals in them.
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Car washes are a great way for sports teams, scout troops, schools, clubs, churches, and other non-profit organizations to raise funds. However, without careful consideration of our environment, car washes can be harmful to our rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and all the plants and animals that use and live in them. Our cars get dirty, but what washes off in a car wash is more than just dust and dirt. Large amounts of harmful pollutions get washed off cars as well, including from the soap itself. As an alternative to holding your own car wash, consider cooperating with a commercial carwash facility. Wastewater from these facilities gets treated before being released into the environment. Commercial facilities also use high-pressure nozzles and pumps that minimize water usage. Some facilities have their own fund raising program already in place.
