STORM WATER PROGRAM-
ILLICIT DISCHARGE, DETECTION AND
ELIMINATION
Best Management Practices for Power Washing
(Mobile and Surface Cleaning)
Power
Washing is any activity that uses a water pressure system,
including steam cleaning, to clean vehicles, equipment,
sidewalks, buildings, dumpsters, or other impervious surfaces.
In addition to water, detergents, degreasers and other products
may be used in commercial power washing.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH POWER WASHING?
Did you know that storm drains are NOT connected to sanitary
sewer systems or treatment plants? The primary purpose of storm
drains is to carry rainwater away from developed areas to
prevent flooding. Wash water from power washing activities may
contain significant quantities of oil, grease, chemicals, dirt,
and detergents that could end up in our waterways and the ocean.
Download
Brochure [pdf:77k/2pp]
Best Management Practices for Mobile Cleaning Activities
Mobile cleaning activities can generate significant quantities of wastewater as a result of their washing operations. Wastewater can contain dirt, debris, soap, oil, grease, acid solutions, solvents, paint chips, metal, and/or food wastes. Wastewater discharged to the storm drain system contributes to urban runoff pollution.
The following booklet contains information on how to dispose of wastewater from a various types of mobile services related to surface cleaning, transportation, food service, and carpet cleaning.
Download
Booklet [pdf:133k/8pp]
Report a Storm Water Concern
Storm Water Information Line: (805) 227-7240
Report Illegal Storm Drain Dumping
