add to the "i've seen it all" list

[Invigor]

I'm sure a lot of people already know about this..but I just about fell over when I read this:

Can I wash my car on the street?

Under the Drainage Bylaw PDF File (37KB), you may use only water to clean your car. If you are washing your car on the street, you must not use any kind of soap or anything other than water, and your car must not be overly dirty. The Drainage Bylaw states that only water may enter the storm sewers.
What is the fine for washing my car with soap on the street?

The minimum fine for disobeying this section of the drainage bylaw is $500.
Can I use biodegradable soap to wash my car on the street?

No. Soaps and detergents are prohibited substances under the Drainage Bylaw. Only potable water can be used to wash vehicles.

source: http://content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+H...d+Drainage.htm

is this something normal for large cities? I just couldn't believe it!

[digital-audiophile]

I was kind of ****ed when Calgary started doing this a few years back. I usually just go to a car wash anyways but there is something enjoyable about washing your vehicle in a driveway on a hot summer day

I wouldn't imagine this gets enforced to harshly, the only real way to get busted is if you have a jerk of a neighbour that rats you out.

[midgetwaiter]

No the bylaw people are looking for this now. THe problem is the phosphate that comes from the soap, you don't want it in hte rivers for the same reason you don't want it in your reef tank.

You can get in big trouble for putting anything but potable water into a storm drain.

[SJSobczyk]

Bye bye Mr Clean Auto Dry Car wash. It has been a good year of memories.

I agree with the cleaning the car in a hot summer day, its something you just cant replace.

Steve

[Invigor]

it sure is nice, cause you can take 2 hours to do it if you like..making sure EVERY nook and cranny is clean...I always feel like I'm in a mad race against time when I goto the carwash, then I get out, find out I missed a spot and get all upset. lol

[Beverly]

Environmentally, this bylaw makes perfect sense for the reasons midgetwaiter states.

On the other hand, what about all the salt our municipalities put on our snow-covered streets when the snow melts and the salty water goes down the storm drains? That can't be good for our rivers