Did you know that in some Alberta communities, you can get a fine for washing a car in your driveway?  This is because rather than heading to the sewer system where water is eventually cleaned at a wastewater treatment plant, the oily and greasy water from home car washes goes to the stormwater system, potentially causing clogs.  Some communities also have bylaws against home car washing in order to protect the ecosystem from the soap and chemicals that drip off of cars being cleaned.   

Even in commercial car washes, water quality is impacted. There are a several chemical cleaning products used including presoak, shampoos, detergents, drying agents, glass cleaners, rust inhibitors, body protectants and others. The dirt on cars that comes from roads can also contain toxic chemicals, heavy metals, oil and grease.