Car Wash Kit

The City of Chico's car wash kit contains equipment that you can use to block off the storm drain and divert wastewater to areas where the soapy/dirty water can soak into the ground rather than flowing into the gutters, and into our creeks.

To reserve a car wash kit, contact the City of Chico at 879-6950 or reserve online.

• A $100 deposit is required in the form of a check.
• The check will not be cashed if the kit is returned with everything in good condition.
• Submit the Car Wash Application and Waiver.

Using the City's Car Wash Kit

Step 1

Place a cover over the storm drain.

Step 2

The car wash kit keeps wastewater from flowing into the gutter.

A green-colored dam in a U-shape can be placed in front of the covered storm drain. This creates a barrier that the waste water cannot pass through.

Step 3

Next you place the pump inside of the U-shaped dam and hook one end of the hose to the pump.

Make sure that the other end of the hose is placed in an area where ALL of the water will soak into the ground.

Step 4

The pump needs electricity to work. The car wash kit provides a bucket that you can store the hooked-up electrical components in, which makes it safer for everyone.

Step 5

First, you will run the extension cord and the cord for the pump, through the two fitting holes in the bucket lid.

Plug the pump into the yellow GFI extension inside of the bucket. The extension cord will then plug into the opposite end of the GFI extension.

Step 6

Put the lid on the bucket securely and place it on the other side of the dam, with the extension cord running in the opposite direction of the dam and the water collection point, to the power source.

It is very important to keep the electrical cords away from the water at all times.