A Stormwater Pollution calculator using market research on car washing habits and national vehicle statistics, estimates that over 13 Gigalitres of contaminated waste water is being directed into our storm water systems across Australia (and therefore into rivers, creeks, lakes and the coastline) as a result of vehicle washing at home on hard surfaces.
It is ACWA’s objective to convince relevant State and Federal authorities to curtail home car washing and prohibit hard surface vehicle washing anywhere where the run-off is not plumbed directly to sewer as a fundamental requirement to significantly reduce the pollution of the aquatic environments.
ACWA aims to achieve this objective through an education program at all levels, to build credibility through the support and approval of independent scientific professionals, government agencies and other relevant bodies.
ACWA has prepared a Stormwater Statement based on research results, noting the wide range of contaminants, including hydrocarbons, total organic carbon, dissolved copper, lead, zinc, turbidity and suspended solids. The quantities of these elements vastly exceed generally accepted standards for water which flows to stormwater and then into the marine environment.
Click here for ACWA Stormwater Statement
Click here for ACWA Stormwater Pollution Calculator
Click here for The Dirty Truth – Stormwater Conference presentation and How car wash waste water threatens life in the waterways.