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Is There Really An Eco-Friendly Way To Wash Your Car During California's Drought?

KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.

Q: Roberta, I heard you say on the radio you were going to the car wash this weekend. Don't you know we are water rationing?

A: Yes I do! And not only do I conserve during drought stricken times, water conservation is a way of life for me!

Water rationing or water conservation,  has been a priority in my household (and probably yours) for the past 3 years. In fact, water conservation has  become "a game" for me! Every month, I am anxious to tear open my water bill and see just how much more I saved over the previous month! How do I do it? There's the occasional knock on the bathroom door reminding my boys of "military showers" 3 to 5 minutes at tops. It's amazing how much water we waste with running water while washing dishes and how much we can save by being aware and responsible.

During the drought, the one thing I found it difficult to give up, is washing my car. I own a black car, so it dirties easily (I will NEVER again buy a black car!). I seriously enjoy soaping up my car, rubbing my car down from the outside and wiping it clean inside. But with a 25% percent mandatory rater cut in my neighborhood, washing my car was longer an option.

So how do I keep my car clean? I go to the car wash. Not any car wash, only a car wash which washes cars with recycled water.

The car wash I frequent has six locations throughout the Bay Area. The one I drive to is in Dublin. Through a little research, I discovered if you "driveway wash" your car, you will use 70 to 100 gallons of water every single time you clean your car. Just as notable, the water drains to streams and lakes while containing chemicals from your car. These chemicals include soap, antifreeze, lead, oil and asphalt. In comparison, the car wash I visit uses an average of 37 gallons of water per car. The water is treated, filtered and recycled to state guidelines.

So while there are a few North Bay  sprinkles or a light shower in the Sunday Forecast, I'm taking my car to the car wash. I'm looking for tips to save water, do you have any recommendations? What's your favorite tip? Email me at Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com.

Have a great weekend!

 

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