Car Wash Waste
Because dry conditions persist across Georgia and the state is now using level-two water restrictions, this is an especially important time to think about water conservation. Warm weather prompts many people to wash their cars, but with the average garden hose using five to ten gallons of water per minute, and the average car wash taking up to 20 minutes, a do-it-yourself car wash can use up to 200 gallons of water!
Viewer Tip: If you plan to wash your car, consider heading to a commercial car wash, which uses significanly less water than an at-home wash, and try to find a commercial wash that recycles the water it uses. If you must wash at home, use an automatic shut-off nozzle with your hose, and bucket of soapy water to wash. Only wash during the allowed outdoor-watering times under level-two restrictions.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
(Sources: University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. May 3, 2007″Georgia Faces: Professional Car Washes Use Less Water.” http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/storypage.cfm?storyid=3122)