The city of Lubbock, Texas, has just started requiring mobile
car washers to have a permit to operate. Some see it as a way for the city to
collect a $25 fee from these small businesses; others say it’s a way to ensure
the car washers are at least aware of the need to avoid sending wash water down
the storm drain.
Other communities around the
country have enacted similar requirements—often controversial—and of course many
cities have publicized the problems with people washing their cars in their
driveways or in the street. Some offer car wash kits, usually containing a
device to block water from entering storm drains or catch basins. These are
available to individuals or to fundraising groups.
However, it’s been politically
very unpopular to tell groups such as high school sports teams that they can’t
hold car washes to raise funds; some cities have therefore chosen to ignore the
issue.
How has your city handled the
situation—both mobile car washers and pressure washers, and also the car wash
fundraiser?