Pierce County News Release
Car wash fundraisers can be a great way to raise money, but the soap and pollutants that run off the vehicles can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
Organizations can help keep Puget Sound clean during their next car wash fundraiser by checking out a fish-friendly car wash kit. The kits are available at several Pierce County locations.
“These kits are designed to keep soap, oil and other pollutants from entering storm drains and flowing into streams, lakes, rivers, and the Puget Sound,” said Harold Smelt, Pierce County Public Works and Utilities surface water manager. “We encourage organizations to use these kits to help keep our waterways clean.”
The kits use a storm drain insert and a pump to send the dirty water to the sewer system or a grassy area where it can be filtered. The kits come with a catch basin insert, submersible pump, garden hose, extension cord, and instructions, as well as a large sign that can be used to identify the car wash as fish-friendly.
There is no charge to borrow the kits. For more information and a list of locations that offer the kits, visit www.piercecountywa.org/carwash or contact the Public Works and Utilities Surface Water Management Division at (253) 798-2725.