Vehicles
You may be surprised at how much your car care habits affect water quality. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent your automobile from being a source of water pollution.
Vehicle maintenance
- Routinely check your vehicle for leaks and keep it tuned up.
- Never pour automobile fluids down a storm drain or onto the ground.
- Don't leave chemicals or fluids out in the open or where they can get wet.
- If you spill fluids, contain them quickly with rags or kitty litter.
- Dispose of spills and used fluids at hazardous waste collection sites.
- Used oil and oil filters can be recycled at local hazardous waste collection sites and many auto parts stores for free.
Vehicle washing
- Wash your vehicle only when needed and never during a water shortage.
- Take your vehicle to a commercial wash where the water is recycled, reused, and/or treated.
- When washing your vehicle at home, use a hose with a shutoff nozzle and use detergents sparingly. Wash where the runoff goes to a vegetated area. Use biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents. When done, dump the wash bucket in the toilet, not the yard.
Drive less
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Join a carpool, walk, use public transportation, or ride a bike. Cars give off exhaust, particles, and fluids that become water pollutants when they reach waterways.
Source: www.nccwep.org
