San Jose halts student car washes unless rules about discharge into storm drains are met
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.
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Jennie Loft, acting communications manager for San Jose's Environmental Services Department, said the city had indeed stepped in.
"Anything that is not storm water or rain water is considered a pollutant," Loft said.
"If it goes into a storm drain, that pollutant will harm wildlife and habitats in the creeks. Water goes directly from the storm drains into our creeks."
Asked if the city came out in response to complaints, Loft wrote in a follow-up email, "The City of San Jose responded to two complaints, one about a month ago and one last week, re: the Lincoln High School Car wash events held at Hoover Middle School.
full: http://www.mercurynews.com/my-town/ci_24383365/city-san-jose-halts-student-car-washes-unless
And this story is bringing out the old conservatives/libertarians complaining: "Everything we used to do in our days is BANNED! Too much bureaucracy!" Just like those "ban lemonade stand" stories. For too many people it's too hard to understand WHY capitalism has rules.
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When I wash my car at my house (rarely), I use the most hippy-dippy stuff I can find because it drains into my septic.
I'm a native Midwesterner transplanted to the SF Bay - water issues are a button issue for me 
