San Jose halts school car washes over pollution concerns

Source: San Jose Mercury News

Don't expect to see teens standing on corners waving signs at motorists encouraging them to participate in a school car wash any time soon in San Jose.

While car washes have become a favorite tool for school clubs, teams, cheerleaders and classes to raise funds for trips, uniforms or supplies, the city of San Jose is now saying stop.

... On Oct. 18, a second email went out to the elists reading, "We had a visit from the city of San Jose Environmental Services Department who said that the car washes at Hoover are in violation of water discharge laws, therefore we had to cancel this and all future car washes."

Jennie Loft, acting communications manager for San Jose's Environmental Services Department, said the city had indeed stepped in. ... Loft said the same restrictions on washing cars that apply to school groups also apply to individuals.

Read more: http://www.mercurynews.com/my-town/ci_24383365/city-san-jose-halts-student-car-washes-unless