Runoff from car washes is highly toxic to aquatic life and is one of the reasons that streams are not as healthy as they should be. Unlike the sanitary sewer systems, water that runs into the storm drains goes directly into lakes, streams, and wetlands with little or no treatment. Here's what you can do to make your car wash "salmon-friendly."

1. Take your car to a commercial car wash. Commercial car washes are required by law to divert their water into the sanitary sewer, where it gets cleaned at a treatment facility.

2. If you do wash your car at home, do it on a grassy surface, where the soapy water can soak in, rather than on pavement, where it will runoff into a storm drain. Empty your dirty wash buckets into a sink or toilet, rather than into the storm drain.

Car Wash Fundraisers

Realizing that car washes are an important fundraising tool for many groups in the community, the City of Federal Way offers two environmentally safe solutions for sponsoring a charity car wash event that is in compliance with the laws.  Please consider selling tickets through a charity car wash program (preferred method. Charities sell car wash tickets that can be used at participating car washes around Puget Sound. To find out more visit CharityCarWash.org or BrownBear.com and click on "Programs."