While many motorists are going green behind the wheel of fuel-efficient hybrids, all of us can play a greener role by learning that a professional car wash may be better for the environment than washing our cars at home.

In 2006, Environmental Partners Inc. of Seattle conducted two tests to measure the potential impact of untreated car wash discharges into the storm water system–and consequently, into streams and lakes. They used fish mortality as their measurement. (Go to the Executive Summary or Complete Fish Toxicity Report now.)

During the study, fish toxicity tests were performed using a water runoff sample from a fund-raising car wash in a parking lot. These were compared to a simulated run-off sample of drinkable water.

The runoff sample from the parking lot fund-raiser had a 100 percent mortality rate among the fish for all dilution steps tested. All of the fish survived in the potable water.

Even biodegradable detergents can be harmful to fish because they can destroy protective mucus membranes. In addition, detergents can damage fish gills and wash away natural oils that help fish absorb oxygen.

”I hope this study empowers citizens to be more informed about how small acts, such as visiting professional car washes, can really make a difference on the environment,” said Vic Odermat, who underwrote the study. He is a lifelong environmentalist and owner of Brown Bear Carwash in Seattle.

Detergents and surface residue from driveway or parking lot car washes generally run directly into the nearest storm drain. These are designed to carry excess rainwater into nearby waterways without any additional cleaning of that water. Storm water run off is the most common source of pollution of streams, rivers, lakes, oceans and inlets. It can have a devastating effect on aquatic life.

Conversely, federal law prohibits a commercial car wash from sending its dirty water into the storm drains. The water must be discharged into a separate sanitary sewer or treated and recycled.

As winter progresses, ”drivers will need their cars washed more often because mud, road grime and salt are more likely to accumulate on their vehicles,” said Mark Thorsby, International Carwash Association Executive Director. ”By using professional car washes, drivers can maintain clean cars and help the environment.”

Source: Car Care News Service and the International Carwash Association