May – June 2005

Every year about 75,000 litres of detergents and 12,000 kilograms of dirt and other pollutants including oil go down the city's stormwater drains from people washing cars on the road. The dirty water flows untreated to our streams, Lake Pupuke and beaches harming the plants and animals that live there and affecting the environment's health, beauty and safety.

To help keep our streams and beaches clean, wash your vehicle or equipment on the grass where the dirty, soapy water can soak safely into the ground. Don't use solvents or degreasing agents that may cause soil contamination and never wash items where dirty water can run into roadside gutters or down stormwater drains. Alternatively, take your vehicle to a commercial wash facility where wastewater is disposed of safely.

For more information contact the Pollution Prevention Team, called Actionline on 486 8600.