Is it Illegal to Power Wash Your Driveway?
Power washing is an effective and convenient way of keeping the exterior of your home clean and looking its best. Many homeowners are concerned about pressure washing when it comes to their driveway, as they’ve heard of others receiving hefty fines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when water run-off containing grease, cleaners and other chemicals reaches storm drains.
Is it illegal to power wash your driveway? When done safely and with the environment and environmental regulations in mind, no, it’s not unlawful. Let’s look a little closer!
Should You Power Wash Your Driveway?
There are benefits to keeping your driveway clean with power washing. When done professionally and with care, the grease and grime can be removed and actually prevent the natural run-off of contaminated water due to weather. It can also improve curb appeal and extend the life of your driveway.
What is the Clean Water Act?
The Clean Water Act of 1972 aims to “prevent, reduce and eliminate” water pollution in the US. Pollution can happen when water run-off reaches storm drains, like when power washing, but can also occur when chemicals seep into groundwater. The EPA has been more active than ever when cracking down on cases of contamination, and fines can be hefty.
Who is Responsible?
Ultimately, it is the property owner who is responsible for the water contamination. If you are unsure of the regulations that apply to power washing your driveway, it may be helpful to do some research or even reach out to an expert. Understanding what you, as the homeowner, are responsible for when keeping the outside of your home clean is good practice.
Why Hire an Experienced Pressure Washing Company?
If you’d like to cut out some of the confusion or unease about power washing your driveway, hiring an experienced company like JB Power Clean can help. We understand the cleaners and chemicals we use and how to control the run-off to ensure that your job is environmentally friendly and also follows all environmental regulations set by the EPA and local governments.
If you’re ready for a clean driveway, free of stains and grime, call JB Power Clean today for a free estimate.
