Car WashCan you wash your car during water restrictions?
When water supplies are limited, communities may put restrictions on how residents use water outdoors. That can leave drivers wondering: Can you still wash your car during water restrictions?
The answer depends on your local rules, but understanding how and where you wash your vehicle can help you make a more water-conscious choice.
Can you wash your car during water restrictions?
Whether you can wash your car during water restrictions depends on the restrictions in your area. Some communities limit residential car washing, while others may allow it during certain days or times or with specific requirements.
Because water restrictions are set locally, always check your city, county, or water utility’s current guidelines before washing your vehicle at home.
If you’re unsure, look specifically for rules about vehicle washing or car washing, rather than assuming that restrictions on lawn watering or other outdoor activities apply the same way.
Is a professional car wash more water-efficient than washing at home?
In many cases, yes. Professional car washes use equipment designed to control water flow and maximize cleaning power, while washing with a garden hose can use a significant amount of water.
Washing a vehicle in a driveway can use more than 115 gallons of water, while Tommy’s Express uses less than 30 gallons of fresh water per vehicle on average.
That difference comes down to how a professional wash is engineered. High-pressure equipment, specialized wash products, and water reclamation systems allow Tommy’s Express to clean vehicles efficiently while reducing the amount of fresh water needed.
How does Tommy’s Express conserve water?
Water conservation is built into the Tommy’s Express wash process.
Our wash systems use water reclamation technology to filter and reuse water for certain parts of the wash. High-pressure spray equipment also provides effective cleaning while using less water, and our wash products are formulated to work efficiently at precise dilution ratios.
Tommy’s Express locations use advanced water reclamation technology to use less than 30 gallons of fresh water per vehicle on average.
So, getting a clean car doesn’t have to mean using a garden hose and hundreds of gallons of fresh water.
Where does car wash water go?
Water conservation isn’t the only consideration when deciding where to wash your vehicle. What happens to the water after it leaves your car matters, too.
When you wash a vehicle outside, dirt, soap, and other substances removed from your car can become runoff. At Tommy’s Express, used wash water is routed through sanitary sewer systems to wastewater treatment facilities rather than being allowed to flow directly into storm drains.
That gives you another reason to consider a professional car wash when you’re looking for a more responsible way to clean your vehicle.
How can you check water restrictions in your area?
Water restrictions can change based on local conditions, so the best source of information is your local government or water utility.
Before washing your car at home, check for:
- Current water-use restrictions
- Rules specifically addressing vehicle washing
- Permitted days or hours for outdoor water use
- Any requirements for residential car washing
- Whether commercial car washes have separate requirements
If restrictions are in place, following your local guidelines is the best way to conserve water and avoid potential violations.
A cleaner car with less fresh water
Water restrictions don’t necessarily mean you have to put off keeping your vehicle clean. By understanding your local rules and choosing a wash designed to use water efficiently, you can take care of your car while being mindful of the resources your community depends on.
With water reclamation, high-pressure equipment, and efficient wash systems, Tommy’s Express is designed to deliver a great clean while using less fresh water.
Ready to wash? Find a Tommy’s Express location near you and get your car clean in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I wash my car during a drought?
A: It depends on your local water restrictions. Check with your city, county, or water utility for current rules regarding vehicle washing.
Q: Is it better to go to a car wash during water restrictions?
A: If local restrictions allow commercial car washing, a professional wash can be a more water-conscious choice than washing your car at home. Professional equipment is designed to use water efficiently, and water reclamation systems can reduce the amount of fresh water needed during the wash.
Q: How do I know if car washing is restricted where I live?
A: Check your local government’s or water utility’s website for current water-use restrictions. Look specifically for information about vehicle or car washing.