I own a condo and pay $300/month in homeowner fees. Was washing my beloved S2K on the condo common area when a fifty-ish lady -- complete stranger -- comes strolling by. She tells me that I am putting soap and brake dust down the storm drain and that I am polluting the local rivers. She also tells me that I should go to the car wash in the future. I asked her if I was violating any local penal code or any homeowners rules. She stammered and kept reiterating her pollution tirade.

Ever been accused of polluting the environment? Should I have slapped her with my Cal Water Blade?

 

You made it seem like you were commiting tragedy of the commons when you asked if there were any laws making it illegal. Just because it isnt illegal doesnt mean you should do it. Ok thats what i learned from environmental science. But i dont really believe what the lady was saying, out cars were not designed for automatic car washes so it is really our ownly choice, thus we are doing nothing wrong by washing our cars.

 

what's the difference between the sewer system @ your condo and the sewer system @ the car wash?

 

I would have explained (in diplomatic overtones) that the brake dust would eventually travel through the drains eventually no matter where they were deposited and the soap (like most today) is biodegradable. Then I would have sprayed her with the hose and told her to stay the hell away from me. j/k

Then again . . . . maybe not. It would depend on my mood at the time and her approach. She might get sprayed without any explaniation.

 

The "sewers" outside at the condo are almost certainly "storm sewers" which flow directly into a stream. They're designed to carry the runoff when it rains.

The commercial carwash *may* (or may not) put the water into a "sanitary sewer" where it's treated at a sewage treatment plant before being released into a waterway.

 

Then why the hell do they advertise car soaps on TV?

 

Hose her down next time.

 

I'd tell her to shut the hell up. Her breath is destroying the ozone layer

 

BTW, I would wash your car every single day if I were you, just to piss her off. Some people just can't keep their stupid opinion to themselves.

 

wow... some people want to control the world!
you should have a local detailing meet with 50 cars parked on your street!!!
(and be sure to invite her over)