Car Wash

The Problem
Vehicle washing produces wash water containing oil, grease, nutrients, heavy metals, and suspended solids. Dirty, soapy water flowing into storm drains can harm fish and wildlife in our streams, lakes, and Puget Sound.

It is illegal to discharge untreated wash water to storm water drainage systems (regulations: Revised Code of Washington 90.48, Bremerton Municipal Code 15.04.120).

The solution is simple!

Home Car Washing
  • Take your car to a commercial car wash. These businesses are properly connected to the sewer system where the wastewater is treated. Some car washes even recycle their wash water. The following commercial car washes are located within the City of Bremerton:
    • Albertson's on Wheaton Way
    • Auto Center Car Wash on 1st and Bruenn
    • Burwell Landing Car Wash (recycles and will also host charity groups)
    • Shur Kleen at 3311 Kitsap Way (recycles)
    • Shur Kleen Car Wash on Wheaton Way
    • Texaco on Werner (recycles)
    • The Car Wash at 2410 Wheaton Way
  • Wash with a mild detergent on a grassy area that allows water to soak into the ground. Do not wash your car on a paved driveway or street where contaminated water can enter the storm system. Use an automatic shut-off hose nozzle to save water.
Man Washing Car On a Beach

Fundraisers


  • Your nonprofit organization can sell car wash coupons redeemable at select car washes. This is an environmentally friendly alternative. For more information, call the Puget Sound Car Wash Association Charity Car Wash Program at 206622-8425
  • Burwell Landing will host charity car washes. Call 253-355-2277 for more information
  • Kitsap County Public Works also has a Fundraising Made Easy car wash program for nonprofit groups within Kitsap County. Call 360-337-5777.
  • Manage your polluted waste water, which is not allowed to enter the stormwater system. Car washes held in locations where the water will drain into the sanitary sewer are allowed within the City of Bremerton. All charity car washes must conform to the Department of Ecology Best Management Practices Manual #WQ-R-95-056 (PDF). The property owner hosting the charity car wash is liable for any environmental damage caused by the event. Call the Customer Response Line at 360-473-5920 for more information.

Commercial /  Fleet Vehicle Washing


  1. Wash commercial and fleet vehicles in a designated, paved washing area that discharges wash water to the sanitary sewer or a closed-loop recycling system
  2. Wash areas should be well marked with signs showing where and how washing is to be done
  3. Oil changes and other engine maintenance should not be conducted in designated vehicle washing areas
  4. Refer to the Department of Ecology Best Management Practices Manual for Vehicle Washwater #WQ-R-95-056 (PDF)