This post is Sponsored by WaterSavers® but my opinions are 100% my own!

Whether a Saturday morning ritual or charity fundraiser, washing vehicles on driveways, parking lots and streets can do far more harm than good. That’s because the dirty water entering storm drains from pavement washing does not undergo treatment before it is discharged.

A study by the City of Federal Way, Wash., found that residential car washing led to numerous pollutants being released each year into their storm sewer system, including 190 gallons of gasoline, diesel and motor oil; 400 pounds of phosphorus and nitrogen; and 60 pounds of ammonia.

I had no idea this was a problem until I was contacted by WaterSavers®, a consumer awareness campaign from the International Carwash Association® (ICA), with this information on the environmental benefits of washing your car at a professional car wash.

I was very surprised to learn that professional car washes are typically a much greener option for washing vehicles than washing your car in the driveway at home. Washing at home with a garden hose can use more than 60 gallons in as little as five minutes, but most professional car washes treat and recycle water, virtually eliminating waste.  The average homeowner uses 116 gallons of water to wash a car, according to the Mid-America Regional Council, and most commercial car washes use 60 percent less water for the entire process than a homeowner uses just to rinse the car.

WaterSavers professional car washes use only 40 gallons or less of fresh water per car wash – that’s less than the typical home washing machine uses per load. The process cleans and re-uses the water for future car washes, or it undergoes treatment prior to returning it clean to the environment. For more information and to find a certified location near you, visit WashWithWaterSavers.com.

I was happy to find a car wash that is less than 10 miles from my house so we will visit them next time we need a car wash.  I had no idea they did this but I’m happy to hear!

This summer, instead of grabbing a bucket and hose, take your car to a local professional car wash to help save water, protect aquatic life and preserve the environment.

(1) Koupon Karen reader will win WaterSavers® Prize Package which includes:

• Branded USB Car Charger
• Pop-Up Trunk Organizer
• Car Vent Clip
• $20 VISA Gift Card

To enter the giveaway, use the Giveaway Tools widget below.   Please let me know if you have any questions or problems with it! Of course Facebook is in no way associated with this giveaway!

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Disclosure: I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.