Water is discharged from high pressure washing systems during power washing activities. It is important to prevent the water from leaving the property and/or entering into the storm drain system. The water may contain  pollutants that will make their way to the creeks, lagoons and ocean.

BMP Objective
The purpose of this best management practice is to prevent discharge water from power washing (or any non-rainwater) from leaving a property and entering the street and/or storm drain system.

Implementation
DO:

• Sweep or vacuum the area to remove bulk litter and debris.
• Direct the water to a vegetated area using portable berms or sand bags. Any residual litter must be removed from the vegetated area.
• Protect the storm drain by employing the methods described below (for more information see BMP "Protect storm drain inlets")
• Cover the storm drain inlet with a plastic sheet that will not allow water into the storm drain and will "pond" the water
• Place a weighted object (like a sandbag or other weighted bag) on the plastic sheet to prevent it from moving with wind or water and to create a tight seal with the ground or pavement to keep water from getting around the sheet to the inlet
• Vacuum up standing water before removing drain inlet protection.
• BE SURE TO REMOVE THIS INLET PROTECTION WHEN COMPLETED - OTHERWISE FLOODING MAY OCCUR
• Sweep up the path between the area where water will be used and the storm drain inlet to prevent the leaves and/or debris from washing into the storm drain. Dispose of sweepings in a trash can.
• Use a wet-vac (vacuum that can suck up water) and vacuum the wash water, then dispose of the water to a sanitary sewer connection.
• Pour the water into the sanitary sewer system (toilet or sink) being careful not to put anything hazardous, toxic or that can clog the sink or toilet into the system.
• If not harmful to plants, the water may be poured into landscaping areas in amounts that will not cause the water to leave the landscaped areas. 

 DON'Ts

• Do not dump any water into the storm drain system.
• Do not dump the water into the street, parking lot or other area where the water will drain towards the storm drain system. 

Print friendly file: