Why is it bad for water quality?

Waterwashing or powerwashing flushes all of the pollutants that are on the streets, sidewalks and driveways into the nearest storm drain. These pollutants typically include oil and other automobile fluids, metals from air pollution that have settled, pet waste, lawn waste, bacteria, sediments and trash.

What can we do to reduce or prevent storm water pollution?

There are many simple things we can do to prevent storm water pollution and help protect the water quality of our local waterbodies, although the number of pollutants might seem overwhelming. By incorporating simple, daily changes in our routine or activities, preventing storm water pollution will not seem like such a dramatic change to our lifestyle.

Instead of using water to clean your sidewalks and driveways, use a broom or other dry method of cleaning.

If you insist on cleaning your sidewalks and driveways with water, companies are available that can recover the wash water before it enters the storm drains. The Yellow Pages has powerwashing companies listed, just make sure they have recovery equipment so nobody gets a ticket from a Code Enforcement Officer.

Make sure to clean up spills with a rag, kitty litter or other absorbents, rather than flush the spill down the street.

Why it is bad for water quality?

It is illegal to powerwash or waterwash your sideways and driveways if the water enters a storm drain.