River-Friendly Fundraiser Carwash Program

A number of fundraiser carwashes have been observed recently throughout the City of Elk Grove. The City understands that fundraiser carwashes are a valuable source of funding for local groups and organizations. However, the latest NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board requires that the City:

• “Effectively prohibit identified illegal discharges (e.g., discharges consisting of or resulting from the following: …charitable car washes, etc.)” (Page 35-Provision 4.b).

The City of Elk Grove requires that wastewater generated during fundraiser carwashes not be discharged into the storm drain system. The wastewater should instead be discharged to pervious areas where there is an adequate amount of surface area to allow for complete absorption and infiltration of the wastewater. Alternatively, the wastewater could be contained, collected and properly disposed of, in turn preventing runoff from entering the storm drain system.

The City of Elk Grove would like businesses to comply with the new requirements by hosting River-Friendly fundraiser carwashes. A river-friendly fundraiser carwash protects the water quality of our creeks and channels by not allowing wastewater to enter the storm drain system.

The City of Elk Grove also wants to encourage fundraiser groups to team up with a River- Friendly partner when planning a fundraiser carwash event. These may include commercial carwashes, businesses that implement the required measures to manage wastewater runoff, and Park and School Districts. The City is currently partnering with the EGUSD and CCSD in addition to various businesses to make more river-friendly carwash sites available to fundraiser groups.