The City of Alameda Public Works Department’s Clean Water Program has helped two fundraising groups partner with Follow Charlie Car Wash. Holding these fundraisers at a commercial carwash protects the Bay from pollution caused by wash water runoff entering the storm drains, which flow directly to the Bay without treatment. Commercial carwashes instead collect and treat the wash water before discharging it to the sanitary sewer system, which carries the wastewater to treatment plants.
Commercial carwashes also use significantly less water. While ten minutes of car washing with a typical garden hose uses more than 100 gallons of water, washing a car at a self-service carwash with a high-pressure wand uses about twelve gallons per three-minute cycle, according to the International Carwash Association.
The two upcoming fundraisers in May will help support local students, keep the Bay clean, and reduce water use. Organizers will wash patrons’ cars for a set price. The events are:
- Saturday May 17th from noon to 4:00 pm, organized by Alameda Pirates Football & Cheer; and
- Saturday May 31st, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, organized by Alameda High School Senior Class.
The fundraisers will be held at Follow Charlie Car Wash, 1700 Everett Street, at the corner of Everett and Buena Vista.
The City of Alameda’s Public Works Department’s Clean Water Program fosters appreciation of the local environment, inspiring people to do their part to prevent storm water runoff pollution during everyday activities. Learn more about pollution prevention and the Clean Water Program at www.alamedaca.gov/go-green/green-water
For more information, please contact Patrizia Guccione, at Public Works at 510-747-7962 or PGuccion@alamedaca.gov
