ecotip Clean Ride
DIY Versus Commercial Carwash We all want our new, energy-efficient vehicles to look their best, and ecoconscious drivers want to extend their green lifestyle to include cleaning their car. Washing can provide some exercise and saves money, but the International Carwash Association reports that automatic car washes use on average fewer than 45 gallons of water per car, compared with 80 or more at home. Commercial facilities also drain wastewater into sewer systems to be treated or reused, while soapy do-it-yourself water can directly enter waterways via storm drains unless it’s in an area that filters into a local aquifer. Here are some helpful tips. Conserve water. For DIY folks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a bucket instead of a hose for washing a section at a time, and then quickly rinsing using a pistol-grip hose nozzle, and also washing the car on gravel or a lawn, so wastewater doesn’t flow off pavement or sidewalks and down a storm drain. Be sure to use phosphate-free, non-toxic biodegradable soaps and waxes. Check under the car. Grime, dirt and salt may have accumulated in crevices of the undercarriage, especially in colder regions, so spray underneath, too. Be observant. A fender-bender, stray pebbles or the impact of another car door may have chipped exterior paint. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, corrosion, acid rain, storm damage and harsh sunlight can also mar body paint and expose metal surfaces. Treat these blemishes with a stop-rust spray and touch-up paint before they spread. Sources: epa.gov, ASE.com, CarWash.org, ehow.com
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Vehicle Washing Restrictions in Greater Las Vegas Water restrictions in southern Nevada limit the washing of vehicles and prohibit or restrict surface, building and equipment washing. However, according to the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), each personal vehicle may be washed once a week at residential properties if using a required positive shut-off nozzle on the garden hose. Restrictions may vary based on individual jurisdiction, so contact the local water provider for specific information. There is no limitation on washing frequency if the guidelines for commercial vehicles are followed or a high-pressure, low-volume sprayer is used. Commercial vehicle and mobile car washing are allowed, as long as the company uses a high-pressure, low-volume sprayer and less than 10 gallons of water per vehicle. If washing commercial vehicles, water must be captured to a sanitary sewer using approved methods. SNWA suggests taking vehicles to any of their Car Wash Partners. Water Smart Car Wash companies recycle water onsite or send it to a water treatment facility where the water is treated and returned to Lake Mead. In addition, these commercial facilities use less water than the average homeowner. Several Car Wash Partner companies provide car-cleaning services with environmentally friendly products using little or no water. Coupons and a list of participating eco-friendly car wash facilities are available at SNWA.com.