While washing cars within the city limits of Mainz is not strictly prohibited, it is, of course, only permitted in compliance with the relevant environmental regulations.

Car washing is permitted only on paved surfaces connected to a storm sewer system!

Car washing generally contaminates the wash water, turning it into wastewater that must be discharged into the sewer system in accordance with the drainage regulations. Under water and soil protection laws, any actions or omissions that could cause contamination of the soil, surface waters, or groundwater (seepage of contaminated wash water) are prohibited and classified as an administrative offense.

This means that car washing may generally only take place on paved surfaces connected to the sanitary sewer system. Public roadways typically drain into the sanitary sewer system, so car washing is permitted there.

In the case of a combined sewer system: Car washing is not permitted!

Exceptions are urban areas with a separate sewer system, through which rainwater collected from the street is directed via the stormwater sewer system to a body of water or into the ground.

If you are unsure, please check with Wirtschaftsbetrieb Mainz AöR in advance (phone: 06131/9715-437 or 06131/9715-438).

Washing your car and changing the oil are only permitted at authorized locations!

The best option: Use car washes!

We therefore generally recommend washing your car at designated car wash stations or through car wash tunnels. Many gas stations offer such facilities. For those who prefer to do it themselves and rely on their own standards of cleanliness, there are self-service car wash stations. Appropriate cleaning equipment (high-pressure washers) is available at these stations.

Approved and properly operated car washes and washing stations offer the following advantages:

• The car wash water is treated on-site using a cleaning method tailored to the wastewater’s constituents, ensuring that the pollutant load discharged into the municipal wastewater treatment plant is kept as low as possible.

• In addition, the water recirculation system conserves water, and the separated oils, gasoline, and contaminants are sent for separate disposal.

• Reverse osmosis is used to produce salt-free water, which allows the washed car to dry without leaving spots.

Car wash facilities can be found in the Yellow Pages (under the keywords “car care” and/or “car washes”).

Environmental Tip July 2006