Washing Vehicles

Vehicles have the potential for leaking oil and other fluids that are storm water pollutants. Large vehicles, such as waste removal trucks and street sweepers, especially have the potential of leaking large amounts of fluid. Daily vehicle inspections identify drips early, so they can be fixed before they become big problems.

Commercial Car Washing

Commercial vehicles must be washed at an approved car wash facility where the wastewater is able to go to the sanitary sewer to be treated at the wastewater treatment plant.

University of Michigan - Dearborn have a contract with Joe Ricci Auto Wash located at 14851 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn.

Residential Car Washing

Washing your car in the driveway or street can generate significant amounts of contaminated runoff in the form of detergents, grease, sediment, and other pollutants. By allowing wash water to drain into the storm system, ditch, or stream,which lead to our main waterways, you are essentially washing these pollutants directly into our drinking water.

Commercial facilities, such as drive-through car washes or “do-it-yourself power washes” empty their wastewater to the sanitary sewer to be treated at the wastewater treatment plant before entering our main waterways . If possible, clean your car at one of these facilities instead of washing it on the street.

If you must wash your vehicle at home, use water only. If this is not feasible, mild detergents may be used as necessary. One way to reduce water pollution is to wash your vehicle on a grassy area where the wastewater will be contained and clean itself as it filters through the ground. This is especially important if there is a lot of mud or dirt on your car, which may collect in and possibly clog storm water lines. Also, by washing on a grassy area, you save not only our water supply, but money as well, since the wastewater will water your lawn.