The Clean Water Act of 1987 made it illegal to dump pollutants into the storm drain. The federal government then delegated to the states. The State of California has issued a joint permit to Los Angles and 86 cities. This permit requires that we minimize the pollutants that are carried into the storm drains. Fines can be as high as $25,000. Car wash water contains soaps, oils, grease and grime. If the wash water goes out to the street, then it will end up in the ocean. This is pollution! A car washed at home or at an office building discharges to the ocean.... The Santa Palm Car Wash discharges the soap, grease and grime to the sewer, where it belongs and can be treated, a plus for the environment. for more information contact your local environmental services at 213-848-6404.