The Enviro-Friendly Carwash

“Water is going to be the biggest environmental issue that we face in the 21st century, in terms of both quality and quantity.”
- Former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman, during a speech given at the 2004 International Carwash Association’s Car Care World Expo.

Consumers have become much more aware and serious about the environment and eco-friendly businesses. After all, why did NBC just spend millions on their “green is universal” campaign? Could it be that consumers are connecting, and NBC sees the value in being out front, educating consumers?

Our industry is beginning to gain real credibility with our environmental messages to both consumers and government agencies. Regionally, operators and associations are creating campaigns and partnerships to educate consumers to the environmental benefits of carwashing.

Nationally, the International Carwash Association is continuing its partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Performance Track Program and is increasing its library of environmental studies and information for our industry. With the EPA’s new national guidelines for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDS) II laws for storm water going into effect, cities and counties have to seriously consider the impacts of storm water runoff and how to prevent contaminants from entering these drains.

The Puget Sound Car Wash Association has been a leader in working with the state of Washington and local agencies to find ways to partner together. Agencies clearly want to work with those who are proactive in producing alternatives and educational options for their enforcement requirements.

Through these proactive partnerships, state and local agencies, environmental groups and others are referring policy changes, enforcement actions, educational programs, and even grants to the PSCWA and its members.

Concerns regarding water shortages, contamination, connection fees, infrastructure costs and availability are issues that our industry has been increasingly challenged with during the last 15 years. As national demand grows and water supplies and infrastructure are either limited or depleted, many in the car-care industry face serious challenges in their ability to operate or grow as they have in the past.

During the past decade our industry has experienced serious challenges from water shortages throughout the nation, even in areas regularly regarded as wet, such as the Northwest and Northeast. Operators are paying stifling connection fees for both water access and discharge — sometimes totaling more than $100,000 for the “right” to connect, then having to pay significant amounts for usage and discharge.

During former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman’s ICA speech in 2004, she conveyed a startling message of the failing water, sewer and storm infrastructure throughout the nation. As cities and counties face higher industrial and treatment standards and increased demand, they must offset or recover these expenses, which she said would be in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

As we all know, officials typically look to developers and businesses to offset these costs. As an industry, are we prepared for these challenges? Have operators and manufacturers done all they reasonably can to minimize fresh water consumption?

Recently, a carwash in Maryland was cited for releasing soap into a storm drain. Some carwashes that do not recycle are having their operating hours restricted or even being shut down. In December, a Wall Street Journal article questioned the legitimacy of the benefits of professional carwashing.

If each operator and manufacturer does not take necessary steps to assure that we are producing clean vehicles in the utmost environmentally proper manner, we will set the industry back and lose the consumer confidence that many have gained.

Are carwash operators and manufacturers genuinely committed to being environmental stewards? Are we merely paying lip service because it is convenient, or are we truly managing our business in a truly eco-friendly manner?

An initial self-audit for operators and manufacturers to test their eco-friendliness might include the following:

Is our equipment up to date with the proper pumps and nozzles for less water usage?

• Are we committed to finding the newest technologies to minimize environmental impact and maximize conservation?
• Are our lines and hoses dripping in a manner that a consumer may see waste?
• Are we either recycling water or making that commitment on new construction?
• Are we disposing of our dirt and sediment in a proper manner?
• Are we assuring that no soaps or dirty wash water are entering the storm drains on our lots?
• Are we offering charities options that help them make money in an environmentally friendly manner?
• Are we partnering with state and local agencies in ways that educate the public about the negative effects of carwash and parking lot runoff?
• Are we actively supporting our local and national trade associations?

If we, as an industry, are genuinely committed to doing the right thing for the environment, we may one day see the professional carwash industry held up as an example of a forward-thinking, environmentally positive solution. We would be an industry that the EPA, state and local agencies can be comfortable in partnering with on a long-term basis. With a genuine commitment to being eco-friendly, we may very well see consumers continue to give up the bucket and hose for the convenience and environmentally better option of washing at our professional facilities.

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