Possible way to conserve water for car washing

Bill D · 05-20-04, 01:48

I just learned about rain barrels, sounds like a good idea especially if rain water isn't too contaminated to use in one's area:

http://www.epa.gov/reg3p2p2/what-is-rainbarrel.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/reg3p2p2/make-rainbarrel.pdf

zzyyzx · 05-20-04, 02:17

Just because I live in Southern California and our rain is far from pure, I'd steer clear of using rain water to wash your car. Maybe watering plants is okay, but not the car.

If your concern is to save water, for most washes try a "waterless" car wash like QEW or Spray & Wipe. If a car is filthy, not much can beat a hose and running water. But in between washes are fine with the above. A lot of mobile detailers use these products to avoid having to carry around GALLONS of water in their rigs and to comply with local water reclaimation laws.

Bill D · 05-20-04, 02:32

I thought it was sorta interesting but maybe not for Autopians. I sorta wanted to "have my cake and eat it too"

It bet this might work in the VERY FEW areas left with low pollution

zzyyzx · 05-20-04, 02:36

The idea is great. I'm moving to Indiana (better area/rain quality) and I might set something like this up for watering plants. I try to conserve as much as I can, but there's only so much you can do sometimes.

Plus (I just thought of this...) if the acid rain water eats your paint, there's probably a lot more environmental damage if you have to have stuff repainted than by wasting a little bit of water....

I guess we darned if we do and darned if don't, aren't we?

ebpcivicsi · 05-20-04, 02:40

I think if I saved our rain water Memphis I could use it as wire wheel cleaner.

ACID RAIN> than most waxes/sealants that I know of.

kentd98 · 05-20-04, 02:46

Rain barrels (or any other collector of roof runoff) are illegal where I live. The water that comes off of the roof is considered 'grey water' and is owned by the city.

FWIW,

Kent

Bill D · 05-20-04, 02:49

Quote:

Originally posted by kentd98
Rain barrels (or any other collector of roof runoff) are illegal where I live. The water that comes off of the roof is considered 'grey water' and is owned by the city.

FWIW,

Kent

Wow, that is very stringent and seems downright greedy

He he, I guess no one ought to wash their car in the rain either.

Buick_guy · 05-20-04, 03:41

Thats weird, cause if they catch you opening your mouth in the rain, then they could get you for stealing water.

That sounds like a BS law!

04BlackAV · 05-20-04, 04:02

At least you don't have my situation,my well went dry yesterday.This is not good.If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have any luck!

thinksnow · 05-20-04, 04:02

If all the raindrops were lemon drops and gumdrops,

Oh, how owned-by-the-local-municipality-or-governing-body they would be...

Quote:

Originally posted by kentd98
Rain barrels (or any other collector of roof runoff) are illegal where I live. The water that comes off of the roof is considered 'grey water' and is owned by the city.

FWIW,

Kent

kentd98 · 05-21-04, 09:51

Quote:

Originally posted by Buick_guy
Thats weird, cause if they catch you opening your mouth in the rain, then they could get you for stealing water.

That sounds like a BS law!

BS or not, its the law in Colorado:

Excerpt from:

http://www.denverwater.org/drought/F...WaterLaws.html

Q. Why can't Denver Water customers reuse their own gray water for outdoor use?

A. Colorado water law allows each customer just one use of the water before it goes down the drain, through a wastewater treatment plant and back into the river for others to use. By law, Denver Water customers are not permitted to take their bath or laundry water (commonly referred to as grey water) and dump it on their outdoor plants or garden. After this water is used once by Denver Water customers, it must return to the South Platte River where it will be used seven or eight more times before it gets to the state line (Nebraska). State water laws are enforced by the State Engineer's office.

However, Denver Water customers are encouraged to catch unused clear water in a bucket or other container as it comes out of the tap and then use this water once; to mop floors, refresh pet water or water plants. For example, try catching water that comes out before the shower water warms up and then use this water to flush toilets or rinse the shower.

Q. Why doesn't Denver Water have rebates for rain barrels so we could catch our rain and put it on our plants?

A. Colorado Water Law requires that precipitation fall to the ground, run off and into the river of the watershed where it fell. Because rights to water are legally allocated in this state, an individual may not capture and use water to which he/she does not have a right. We must remember also that rain barrels don't help much in a drought because a drought by its very nature supplies little in the way of snow or rain. The reuse of household water (gray water) is regulated by the Colorado State Board of Health Guidelines On Individual Sewage Disposal Systems. Local health agencies are responsible for implementation and enforcement of the Guidelines.

Jimmy Buffit · 05-24-04, 04:32

What a great example of big government. Sad...

So here's the question: If I were to collect 50 gallons of rain water in a barrel, would an attached hose have enough pressure to rinse a car? Seems to me it would be a good, spot free, final rinse (at least here in Central Indiana).

Is it worth the time and trouble to experiment?

Jim