Environment Impact

All by itself, a charity car wash may not seem to be contributing that much. But collectively, each of these car washes, done on a regular basis as they are in our communities, contributes some very serious pollution to our lakes and rivers. Charity or fund raising car washes in a grocery store parking lot, or drive-way car washing at your home appears innocent enough on the surface, but can they can have a GREAT impact on the environment if not properly managed and the water properly discharged. By using your favorite professional car wash facility you can make a difference in the water quality and health of Lake Loudon and the Tennesee River system.   

• Oil and grease, which contain hazardous materials such as benzene, lead, zinc, chromium, arsenic, pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, and other metals
• Detergents, including biodegradable detergents, that can be poisonous to fish and plant life
• Phosphates, which are plant nutrients and can cause excessive growth of nuisance plants in water bodies
  

Car wash wastewater can be harmful to humans, plants, and animals if released untreated to surface water bodies. Additionally, allowing wastewater to soak into the ground can be harmful because the wastewater may contaminate soil and groundwater.