BORROW A COMMUNITY CAR WASH KIT FOR YOUR FUNDRAISER

MOBILE/PORTABLE POWER WASHING

It is illegal to allow anything other than rain water to be discharged to a storm drain.

Power washing creates wash water (wastewater). Washing vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure (such as sidewalks or buildings) in areas where wastewater flows onto surfaces where it cannot soak in, such as in concrete areas, has the potential to be carried into our local creeks and can be harmful to water quality and creek habitats. Residual wastewater can contain high concentrations of oil and grease, detergents, and other pollutants.

Discharging anything, including potable water, directly to the storm drain system is a violation of federal, state, and local ordinances. Individuals or businesses that pressure wash and fail to prevent wastewater from entering the storm drain systems are subject to enforcement including civil or criminal penalties.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS):

  • Regulations vary, contact the local municipal storm water program or department to determine restrictions and any potential permit requirements.
  • Prior to each use, determine where any runoff will flow.
  • Protect storm drain inlet(s) to prevent discharge from entering storm drain.
  • Minimize water use.
  • Prior to performing any power washing:
    • Sweep, collect, and dispose of debris.
    • Clean all oil spots using dry methods only, prior to power washing.
    • Dispose of all absorbent material, if used, in the trash.
    • Place oil-absorbent boom around storm drain inlet during power washing if oil spots are present.
  • Beware of pressure washing hazardous materials (lead-based paint, oils, solvents, antifreeze, etc). Washing surfaces that have these materials present may require proper hazmat disposal.

CONTAINMENT:

  • Chemicals, detergents, soaps, steam, or heated water shall be contained.
  • Utilize a portable wash pit, vacuum recovery unit, or comparable device to collect water for proper disposal.
    • Drain rinsate to a sump or grit trap prior to discharge into sanitary sewer.
  • Manufactured wastewater collection systems may be commercially available for power washing.

EQUIPMENT/VEHICLES:

  • If permissible, power wash onto a vegetated or gravel surface where wash water can infiltrate into the ground without runoff.
    • Do not wash equipment or vehicles outdoors on saturated ground or on days when rain is probable.
  • Use a portable containment system to catch wastewater. Containment devices for power washing smaller equipment have included portable vinyl swimming pools, plastic 55-gallon drums on casters, and temporary visqueen lined and bermed work areas.

FINAL SITE CLEAN-UP:

  • Vacuum, sweep, or shovel any sediment and debris caught by bio-bags or other BMP devices and dispose of properly. These materials can generally be disposed of as regular trash, unless it is known that hazardous materials are present (such as lead paint chips, oils, solvents, antifreeze, etc).
  • Saturated oil booms and socks require disposal at an appropriate hazmat recovery site. Call your local County administered Household Hazardous Waste program or collection facility for more information and locations.
  • All BMPs must be removed upon completion.

SANITARY SEWER DISCHARGE:

  • You MUST obtain permission from the governing authority to discharge to the sanitary sewer.
  • Discharges to the sewer should not contain grease, grit, or any material that could clog piping.
  • Discharge to the sanitary sewer may also be required to be within a specific pH range.
  • With permission, the on-site sanitary sewer can be accessed through a building drain, building sewer, industrial sink, private sewer clean-out, private sampling manhole, or any other privately-owned sanitary sewer access point. (City maintained manholes may only be opened by City staff).

STORM DRAIN DISCHARGE:

If sanitary sewer and landscaping options are not feasible, check with your local municipality if a written variance for approval to discharge to the storm drain is required.

HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL:

  1. Read cleaning product labels before disposing of wastewater. Follow use and disposal instructions carefully.
  2. Contact your local County administered Household Hazardous Waste program or collection facility for more information and locations.

Power Washing activities shall comply with local storm water ordinances. It is the responsibility of the mobile power washing operator to know and follow all local and regional codes, including obtaining proper permits, for all work to be completed.

ARE YOU READY TO RESPOND TO A SPILL?

  • Have a written plan.
  • Train employees annually on storm water regulations, spill response, personal safety, and hazardous waste handling and disposal.
  • Have spill cleanup materials onsite.
  • Have Safety Data Sheets for all products used.

For an emergency or a spill involving hazardous materials or hazardous waste call 911 or your local Fire Department.

  • For All Non-Emergency / Non-Hazardous Spills To report a Non-Hazardous spill, or for other useful phone numbers, see Spill Numbers informational reference sheet for your local agency contact information or visit: www.streetstocreeks.org/spill-numbers/

How are the Storm Drain and Sanitary Sewer Systems Different?

The storm drain system transports rainwater to local creeks, rivers, and the ocean. This system was created to prevent flooding within communities and homes.

All water and materials that enter the storm drain system are untreated.

The sanitary sewer is a plumbed system that transports used water from buildings to a wastewater collection and treatment facility, where the water and sewage is treated.

If you see an outdoor drain and are unsure of its use, assume it is a storm drain and do not discharge wash water to it.

Clean creeks are important. They provide vital fish habitat, recreation, and add to the beauty of our city.

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