Surface Cleaning
- Any substance, including surface cleaning wastewater, that enters the storm drain system flows directly into lakes, rivers and streams without treatment.
- Discharging pressure washing-generated wastewater into the storm drainage system violates local, State, and federal stormwater regulations.
- The use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) during surface cleaning can reduce the amount of pollution entering our waterways (i.e., rivers, lakes and creeks).
- Avoid using soap! Even biodegradable soap is harmful to aquatic life. Before you use soap, test to see whether hot water under pressure will do the job.
- Several options are available for collecting wastewater, including vacuum pumps, booms/berms, portable containment areas and absorbents.
- Wastewater should be collected and disposed into the sanitary sewer in accordance with the local sanitation agency regulations.
- Hazardous waste of any kind (e.g., lead-based paint, oils, antifreeze, solvents, etc.) is prohibited from entering the sanitary sewer system and any wastewater that constitutes a hazardous waste must be properly disposed of at an appropriate hazardous waste collection center.
- Eliminating the use of chemicals or reducing and/or replacing toxic chemicals (e.g., hydrofluoric acid, muriatic acid) with less toxic chemicals reduces the likelihood of generating hazardous waste.
- Discharging wastewater onto landscaped/dirt areas requires the property owner’s permission and is authorized only when the wastewater does not create a nuisance condition, flow into the storm drain system, and/or contaminate soil.
- To learn more about pollution prevention practices for surfacing cleaning in the NCSPPP Surface Cleaning Guide (English)