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Car washing guidance
Car Washing - Guidance
Is car wash runoff part of the water quality problem in your area?
Here are some tools and ideas that might help.
Tools to use
Need a poster about the importance of good car washing practices?
How about a flier or fact sheet? Download these and customize them to include your contact information. Print them back-to-back or separately.
Ideas for you
Posters and fact sheets can’t get the job done alone. Here are some more tips on how to promote watershed protection. Use messages that fit your audience. Highlight benefits and minimize barriers — offer products and services, promote messages in places people go and develop partnerships.
Some related messages
- Be a role model to your children and your neighbors.
- Help protect threatened and endangered salmon runs.
Ways to get your message out
On products or with services:
- Sponsor a "green" car wash where runoff is sent into sewer.
- Partner with local car washes for public discounts.
- Outreach materials inserted in utility bills.
In places people go:
- Auto parts stores and places that sell car washing products.
- Website that offers resources.
- 1-800 number to offer assistance/information
- Local coffee spot/diner
- Special events, car shows, meetings, fairs, garden shows, farmer’s markets.
Through media and message carriers:
- Pitch a news story to your local newspaper about the problem in your area.
- Bill inserts.
- Community newsletters.
- Create a “how-to” guide in the form of a booklet, CD or website.
- Use billboards in small concentrated communities
With partners:
- Commercial car washes in your community.
- Neighborhood associations.
Motivating change
- Use tools and methods that help people participate. These should help answer the question, “What’s in it for me?”
- Share success stories — brochure, website, CD.
- Start a blog for other participants to share their success stories.
More resources
Frequently Asked Questions: Car Washing and Stormwater
Helpful websites:
Car wash advice from across the nation
Stop polluting the water, a video about car washes
