Car Washing - Keep Your Car and Puget Sound Clean
Surface water runoff that enters storm drains goes directly to our lakes, and streams, eventually reaching Puget Sound.
Sending all that oily soapy water down the storm drain is harmful to aquatic plants, fish, and wildlife. It is also a violation of local, state and federal laws.
Washing Cars at Home
Think clean Puget Sound when car washing. Three cleaner options:
- Wash your car at a commercial car wash where the water is treated
- Use a waterless car wash product
- Wash your car less often
Alternatives to Charity Car Wash Events and Fundraisers
Renton supports alternative fundraising ideas rather than charity car wash events due to the negative impacts that car washing has on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and quality of life. In the past, the city has provided a car wash kit to capture and divert wash water into the sanitary sewer system or landscaped area for infiltration. The car wash kits have been damaged and are no longer manufactured. Instead of charity car washing, alternative fundraising events are highly encouraged.