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This page is intended to explain the regulatory
issues regarding the discharge of carpet cleaning washwater. This
brochure also explains the procedures that should be followed when
carpet cleaning is conducted either by yourself or by professional
carpet cleaners.
When using water and detergents to clean carpets,
residents and professional carpet cleaners should follow these guidelines
in order to prevent waste or washwater from entering the storm drains
where it flows untreated to bays, estuaries and ultimately to the
ocean.
These guidelines apply even if the cleaning
products are labeled “nontoxic” or “biodegradable”.
Although these products may be less harmful to the environment,
they can still have harmful effects if they enter the stormdrain
untreated.
Filtering Wastewater
Both residents and professional carpet cleaners
should be sure to filter the washwater from carpet cleaning before
discharging it to the sanitary sewer since fibers and other debris
in the wastewater can clog pipes. The filtered material can be disposed
of in the garbage, provided that the carpet was not contaminated
with hazardous materials, which cannot be discharged to the sanitary
sewer.
Residential Carpet Cleaners
Washwater from carpet cleaning must be discharged
into a sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer
system within your residence. The washwater should never be disposed
of in a street, gutter, parking lot or storm drain.
When hiring professional carpet cleaners ask
your contractor where they discharge carpet cleaning washwater.
Check with the contractor to ensure the
spent cleaning washwater tank is emptied into a utility sink or
other indoor sewer connection.
If you contract with a carpet cleaner regularly,
arrange an appropriate location for the contractor to discharge
cleaning washwater such as a utility sink, toilet, or sewer cleanout.
Professional Carpet Cleaner Users
Washwater from carpet cleaning must be discharged
to a sink, toilet, or other drain connected to the sanitary sewer
system - never to a street, gutter, parking lot, or storm drain.
The spent cleaning fluid can be disposed
of in a utility sink or other indoor sewer connection at your
home base.
Or, contact the nearest stormwater program
agency for additional disposal options.
Preventing Releases to the Storm Drain
| Question: |
Can any liquids, solids or
spilled materials from carpet cleaning activities be discharged
to the stormdrain? |
| Answer: |
No carpet cleaning
washwater or waste may be discharged to the storm drain. |
| Remember: |
Think...about what you are
doing before you start cleaning. |
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| Question: |
Does the carpet cleaner have
the equipment, material and personnel to handle a spill or discharge
(such as a detergent spill)? |
| Answer: |
Be Prepared...for any spill
or discharge. |
| Remember: |
Pre-plan: Gather the right
equipment and enough material ahead of time. |
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| Question: |
Is it safe for me to clean
up spills and discharges? |
| Answer: |
Know...in advance, what you
are handling and what to do and make sure staff are trained. |
| Remember: |
Your safety is paramount. |
| |
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| Question: |
When do I begin to clean
up spills and discharges? |
| Answer: |
Act...immediately, using
known and safe procedures, and try to contain the spilled material
on your property. |
| Remember: |
Protect the storm drain. |
| |
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| Question: |
Do I need to report spills
or discharges? |
| Answer: |
Communicate...the spill to
your supervisor as soon as possible. |
| Remember: |
Report all spills and discharges
that are not contained on site to the number below or to 911
after hours. |
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Remember
Before you allow anything to go into the gutter
or storm drain, stop and think.
Storm drains do not go to the sewer, they
flow directly into channels and creeks, through wetlands and to
the ocean.
Remember the ocean begins at your front door.
This brochure has been prepared to inform residents
and businesses in Orange County of the guidelines recommended for
proper disposal of carpet cleaning wash water in order to protect
the water quality in storm drains, channels, creeks, bays and ocean.
January 2002
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