PORT ORCHARD — Local car wash operators and Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater Management Program are teaming up on an alternative to parking lot fundraisers — the Fundraiser Car Wash Program.

This program allows groups to sell coupons good for a basic car wash at commercial car washes throughout the county. Call (360) 697-1144.

“Water from car washing contains pollutants, and we want to make sure that this wash water does not end up in our streams and Puget Sound,” said Mindy Fohn, water quality manager for the county’s Surface and Stormwater Management Program. “One of the most effective ways to keep vehicle wash water out of our waterways is to wash vehicles at a commercial car wash.”

Commercial property owners are responsible for preventing wash water from leaving their site and entering storm drains.

“We are working with property owners to find solutions so that polluted runoff, including runoff from car washes, stays out of the storm system and therefore out of Puget Sound,” Fohn said.

“Those considering hosting a fundraiser car wash are welcome to contact us for technical assistance on how best to dispose of this water responsibly.”

One fundraiser car wash generates more than 1,000 gallons of polluted water, according to the county. This water contains oils, grease, elements from brake linings, rust, trace amounts of benzene, and possibly chromium.

For more information about the program, visit www.kitsapgov.com/sswm/carwash.htm or www.kitsapgov.com/sswm.