As the dog days of summer swelter by, Austin residents have escaped the worst of this year’s summertime drought conditions, although patches of dry areas and moderate drought continue around the city area. Conservation Stage restrictions remain in place for residential and commercial water usage.
This includes washing and detailing cars. Cars may be washed using a bucket or auto shut-off hose, and commercial car washes should meet all water usage and equipment requirements.
One thing you should be aware of is that washing cars does allow contaminants into the eco-system. Oil and grease from vehicles can wash into waterways, harming plants and aquatic life and disturbing recreation areas. Soaps can cause algae blooms, which eventually leads to fish kills and smelly, bad-tasting drinking water. Dying algae can also clog storm drains and result in flooding.
This is why local water conservation regulations require large scale car washing events such as charity car washes to be performed in a commercial car wash that meets efficiency requirements in order for the parties involved to avoid being subject to fines.
Several car washes in the Austin area offer partnerships with local organizations to raise funds through the use of vouchers. Commercial car washes are better for the environment because of their efficient equipment and because they reclaim water from the car wash.
Thought you would like to know.
Remember, if your irrigation system has a problem, South Austin Irrigation is the place to call at (512) 534-7449.
