Outside groundwater areas, washing a car on your own property is permitted using mild detergents that do not contain solvents. When washing a car, the City of Lahti’s environmental protection regulations must be observed.
Even outside groundwater areas, car wash wastewater must not be discharged onto public areas, and washing must be occasional and non-professional.
Washing a car in a groundwater area is prohibited, but rinsing with plain water is allowed. The use of detergents marketed as environmentally friendly or biodegradable is also prohibited in groundwater areas, because their decomposition consumes oxygen and may therefore cause harm to the environment.
Car washing prohibited in public areas
A car must be washed on an impermeable surface, such as asphalt, if the washing is frequent, solvents are used, the activity is professional, or the washing takes place in a groundwater area. Wash water must be directed through a sand and oil separator into the wastewater sewer or another approved wastewater treatment system.
Washing cars on streets and road areas, parking lots and other public areas, as well as in shoreline areas, is always prohibited.
The most environmentally friendly option is to have your car washed at a car wash facility or to wash it yourself in a DIY hall equipped with a sand and oil separator. The same regulations also apply to washing boats, machinery, and other equipment.
You can check whether your yard is located in a groundwater area using the City of Lahti’s map service.