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[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Penultimate Wash



There's something classically American about washing your car. A bucket of sudsy water, a sponge - preferably large, thick and rectangular, a garden hose, a pair of shorts, bare feet and some old bath towels that have been reserved for just this purpose. It can be a rite of passage for someone when they get their first car. It can be a bonding moment between "man" and machine, where you engage with your car in a slow and deliberate way, polishing and detailing parts that you usually walk past without notice. Washing your car can be very satisfying, but did you know that it can actually harm local waterways?


When you wash your car in the driveway, you haven't washed away the grime. The dirty water eventually washes into rivers, streams, creeks, and lakes. Soaps, detergents, residue from exhaust fumes, gasoline, brake dust, heavy metals from rust, and motor oils can flow directly into storm drains and then into our waterways, harming water quality and wildlife. Water entering storm drains does not undergo treatment before it discharges into our waterways, unlike water entering sanitary sewers.


The pollution associated with car washing degrades water quality and finds its way into sediments, impacting aquatic habitats. You might be wondering why a car wash would be any different than rain, in this respect. It relates to how "soap" works, and I'm using the term soap loosely, since most products that we use are actually detergents. When you are washing your car, you're using the power of surfactants. Just like when you wash your hands, lather lifts and rinses away dirt, it doesn't destroy it. If that water isn't treated, you've merely transported the offending elements, and the "soap" can cause a problem of its own. Phosphates from cleansers can cause eutrophication, which can be unsightly and harmful to water quality. Excessive algae compete with aquatic plants. As it decays, it also consumes oxygen in the water, which fish and other aquatic life need.


To minimize the environmental impact of car washing, consider using a commercial car wash.


Commercial car washes are required to use water recycling systems. This allows them to clean, filter, and reuse water multiple times, reducing overall consumption and minimizing pollution. On average, homeowners use 116 gallons of water to wash their car. Commercial car washes, on the other hand, use 60% less water for the entire process, employing high-pressure nozzles that clean more effectively with less water. They're also regulated to direct their wastewater into sewer systems where it can be treated. This prevents harmful chemicals, oils, debris and soap from entering storm drains.


While I'm a DIY enthusiast in many respects, a home car wash isn't worth it. However, for the traditionalists out there:

Tools of the home wash trade

[Image Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

If you choose to wash your car at home, here are some tips to reduce water quality issues:


  • Use biodegradable, phosphate-free, water-based cleaners.
  • Minimize water usage. Use a spray gun with flow restriction to reduce water volume and runoff.
  • Wash on an area that absorbs water, such as gravel or grass. This can filter water before it enters groundwater, storm drains, or creeks. Avoid washing cars on concrete or asphalt pavement unless it drains into a vegetated area.
  • Only let wash water soak into the ground as long as you’re using biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaners but know that you are depositing automotive grime and fluids.
  • Always empty wash buckets into sinks or toilets.
  • When planning a car wash fundraiser, consider partnering with a commercial car wash facility or choosing a safe location.



Remember, only rain down storm drains!


Sara Corrigan

WVP Coordinator

Happenings

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

July 6, 2025 @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

WVP Opportunities

Key

(L)earning: These events include talks, workshops, and training sessions.


(M)onitoring: These events include water quality testing through chemistry and macroinvertebrate monitoring.


(R)estoration: These events include bioretention clean-ups, tree plantings, invasive plant removal, etc.


(O)utreach: These events are used to spread awareness of the Watershed Volunteer Program and general watershed health.

(L) Watershed Wednesday: Garfield Park Pond and Stream Restoration*

Wed, July 9, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Garfield Park Reservation in Mill Creek Watershed


(L) Euclid Creek Fish Sampling* (Rescheduled)

Sat, July 12, 1 - 4 p.m.@ Wildwood Park, Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid Creek Watershed


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Jul 13 , 9 - 11 a.m. @ Watershed Stewardship Center, West Creek Reservation in West Creek Watershed


(M) Scenic Rivers Macro Monitoring

Tue, Jul 15 (Rain Date: Fri July 18), 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Old River Farm Picnic Area, North Chagrin Reservation in Chagrin River Watershed


(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal

Thu, Jul 17, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Jul 20, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wildwood, Euclid Creek Reservation in Euclid Creek Watershed


(M) Large Woody Debris Index & Bank Erosion Hazard Index

Tue, Jul 22, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD


(L) Watershed Wednesday w/ Rocky River Watershed*

Wed, Jul 23, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Greenbriar Valley in North Royalton


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Jul 27, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Bear Parking Lot, Brookside Reservation in Big Creek Watershed 


(M) Large Woody Debris Index & Bank Erosion Hazard Index

Tue, Jul 29, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD


(R) Work Session: Invasive Cattail Removal

Thu, Jul 31, 6 - 8 p.m. @ Lake Isaac, Big Creek Reservation in Rocky River Watershed


(R) Green Infrastructure Gardening Series* 

Sun, Aug 3, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Wolf Picnic Area, Huntington Reservation in Cahoon Creek-Frontal Lake Erie Watershed


(M) Large Woody Debris Index & Bank Erosion Hazard Index

Tue, Aug 5, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ TBD


(L) Watershed Wednesday w/ West Creek Conservancy*

Wed, Aug 6, 6 - 7:30 pm @ Stickney Creek, Brooklyn’s Veterans Memorial Park


(M) Marine Debris Monitoring 

Sun, Aug 10, 9 - 11 a.m. @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed


WVP volunteers, please log into Volgistics to register for primary events.

*Open to the public.  Click Here or Email us for the registration link.

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring - a bucketful of post Independence Day firecracker debris

July 6, 2025 @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Opportunities With Our Partners

(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Wed, Jul 9, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Mayfield Heights Aquatic & Community Center

Learn how to collect rainwater for outdoor use and help stop stormwater pollution in your community by making a rain barrel!

 At this event, you’ll learn how to put together and set up your rain barrel. If you prefer, you can pick up your rain barrel and build it at home using an online video.

The $60 fee covers the cost of the workshop and all materials, including a 60-gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you want to create a two-barrel system, you can get a second barrel and connector kit for an extra $40.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Invasive Plant Removal Drop In

Thur, Jul 10, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our invasive plant removal drop-in on Thursday, July 10, to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife! Invasive species overcrowd native species, making it difficult for them to thrive, which in turn affects the wildlife in the ecosystem. Your efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife. Drop-ins are a great opportunity for both first-time volunteers and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park.

More Information and Registration Here 


(S) Science Friday Series: Cisco in Lake Erie with Dr. Joseph Schmitt, USGS

Fri, July 11, 12 - 1 p.m. @ Online or in person (Old Woman Creek - Classroom 2514 Cleveland Rd E, Huron, OH 44839) 

Research Fishery Biologist Joseph Schmitt, PhD of the USGS Great Lakes Science Center discusses the status of the Cisco, also known as Lake Herring. Joseph represents USGS on the Lake Erie Coldwater Task Group, which monitors fish populations.

Cisco, prized as a prey fish, was once productive in Lake Erie. Sometimes referred to as "canaries of cold water", Ciscos do not tolerate lower oxygen levels and increases in water temperature. Dr. Schmitt reports on the feasibility of successful reintroduction in Lake Erie.

More Information and Registration Here 


(S) Friends of the Doan Brook Gorge Habitat Stewardship

Sat, Jul 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Doan Brook Gorge

A few years ago, some friends got together to start removing invasive species and planting native species in the Doan Brook Gorge in the hopes of making it a more resilient and accessible spot for community members to spend time in nature. Filled with meandering trails and multiple waterfalls, the Doan Brook Gorge is a beautiful and often under-utilized natural area of the Doan Brook watershed.

This year, we are hosting 6 “Habitat Stewardship Days” which will involve invasive species removal, native tree plantings, and so much more! Join us in helping to make the Doan Brook Gorge a more biodiverse and welcoming outdoor space for all!

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Let’s Go Green: Wind and Geothermal Energy

Sun, Jul 13, 1 - 2:30 p.m. @ LP/Nature Center

Join Summit Metroparks for the monthly “Let’s Go Green” program as we explore wind and geothermal energy. We’ll cover how wind power works, regulations for wind turbines and the feasibility of installing them at home. Additionally, we’ll dive into geothermal heating and cooling, with a firsthand look at the system at Liberty Park Nature Center.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Plant Native Plants in Middleburg Heights Basin

Mon, July 14, 9- 11 a.m. @ 15700 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH, 44130

Join us to plant a stormwater basin and learn about how urban stormwater can be filtered by native plants!

Wear weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toed shoes, and bring water. Gardening gloves and tools will be provided.

Each participant will get to take home 1 native plant (as supplies allow).

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Furnace Run River Health Workshop

Thur, Jul 17, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Brushwood Lodge - Furnace Run Metro Park

Come learn how biologists assess the health of rivers and streams.

What's included: Furnace Run: Status and Threats Presentation, Live Sampling Demonstrations & Trainings : 1) Citizen Stream Habitat Evaluation, 2) Macroinvertebrate Sampling, & 3) Electrofishing Demo, & Interactive games and educational materials through our partner organizations.

Registration open until June 30.

More Information and Registration Here 


(S) Bugs Below The Surface: A Creek Critter Count

Fri, July 18, 9 - 11 a.m. 8375 Ravenna Road Twinsburg, OH 44087

Join Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners for an exciting adventure in the creek as we learn about the critters that call Tinker's Creek home! This FREE in-person event will take place at 8375 Ravenna Rd. Bring the family and get ready to roll up your sleeves and get a little muddy as we explore the hidden world of macroinvertebrates and learn how to assess stream quality using a biotic index. It's a great opportunity to connect with nature and discover the fascinating creatures that live in Tinker's Creek. Don't miss out on this hands-on experience led by TCWP staff!

More Information and Registration Here 


(S) Invasive Plant Removal Drop In

Sat, July 19, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our invasive plant removal drop-in on Thursday, July 10, to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife! Invasive species overcrowd native species, making it difficult for them to thrive, which in turn affects the wildlife in the ecosystem. Your efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife. Drop-ins are a great opportunity for both first-time volunteers and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park.

More Information and Registration Here 


(S) Back Yards Gone Wild: Building with Nature

Sun, July 20, 2 - 3:30 p.m. @ LP/Nature Center

Water, wind, sun and soil — how do we manage these elements in our outdoor spaces? Explore nature-based landscaping techniques from rain gardens and windbreaks to shade trees and natural mulch. After a presentation, we’ll take a short stroll highlighting the green infrastructure surrounding the nature center.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Rain Barrel Workshop

Wed, July 23, 6 - 7 p.m. @ Beachwood Community Center

Learn how to collect rainwater for outdoor use and help stop stormwater pollution in your community by making a rain barrel!

 At this event, you’ll learn how to put together and set up your rain barrel. If you prefer, you can pick up your rain barrel and build it at home using an online video.

The $60 fee covers the cost of the workshop and all materials, including a 60-gallon barrel, drill bits, and a downspout diverter. If you want to create a two-barrel system, you can get a second barrel and connector kit for an extra $40.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Invasive Plant Removal Drop In

Thurs, July 24, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Must register for location)

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join us for our invasive plant removal drop-in on Thursday, July 10, to improve habitat for native plants and wildlife! Invasive species overcrowd native species, making it difficult for them to thrive, which in turn affects the wildlife in the ecosystem. Your efforts will help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife. Drop-ins are a great opportunity for both first-time volunteers and veteran volunteers to get involved in their national park.

More Information and Registration Here 


(S) City of Vermilion Green Bike Tour

Thurs, July 24, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ Ritter Public Library

The Ohio Coastal Training Program is teaming up with Erie Conservation District to bring our annual Green Bike Tour to the City of Vermilion! This tour is a FREE event open to anyone interested in learning about all the innovative stormwater & sustainability solutions in Vermilion. Registration is not required, but it is strongly encouraged.

Join us to learn how "Green" Stormwater Management practices are helping to minimize negative stormwater impacts in Lake Erie, while enjoying a beautiful bike ride before sunset! This event is BYOB (Bring your own BIKE!), and riders are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, sunscreen and desired protective gear; hi-vis safety vests will be provided.

More Information and Registration Here


(S) Bat Monitoring Program

Friday, July 25, 8 - 9:30 p.m. @ Hudson Springs Park

Join TCWP and Discover Bats Ohio as we monitor for bats using sound wave technology! Learn about these fascinating nocturnal creatures and their role in our ecosystem ad we tune into their ultrasonic calls. 

More Information and Registration Here 



More (S)upplemental events can be found on our website here.


*WVP volunteers can submit supplemental hours in Volgistics under (S) Watershed Partner Event Contact us if you need assistance reporting any hours.

(M) Marine Debris Monitoring

July 6, 2025 @ Euclid Beach in Euclid Creek Watershed

[Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks]

Extras

News

 

Blue Heron -- a boat belonging to the University of Minnesota Duluth -- transports scientists around the Great Lakes so that they can conduct research for projects. However, the latest finding came from within the vessel itself. Turns out a previously unknown species was discovered on board! The article directly below has the story. It's an odd tale about

extreme environments, some "goo", and a few mysteries needing to be solved.

[Image Credit: UMD]

Scientists Discover a New Species Aboard a Great Lakes Research Vessel | Read on or listen here


After Years of Vehicles Colliding into It, the Iconic Euclid Beach Arch Is Being Moved | Read on


Yellow Springs, OH Woman Successfully Swims the English Channel | Read on and watch video here


To Celebrate World Ocean Day, the Chicago White Sox Had a Penguin 'Help Throw Out' the First Pitch at Their Game | Read on and watch video here


Green Roofs Can Capture Nearly All Microplastics from Rainwater | Read on

Jobs

Education Administrative Coordinator 

Holden Forests & Gardens – Kirtland & Cleveland, OH | Apply Here 


Wetland Intern 

Friends of the Great Swamp - Dover, NY | Apply Here 


Hydrologist II 

Kent Conservation District – New Castle, Delaware | Apply Here 


Wetland Biologist

Enviroscience - Stow, OH | Apply Here


Consultant/Lead Wetland Delineator (search Ohio, keyword Delineator)

ERM Group – Multiple Ohio Locations | Apply Here


Environmental Technician – Environmental Site assessment & Remediation Team

Wetland Studies & Solutions – Virginia Beach, VA | Apply Here


Grounds and Restoration Technician

Appalachian Headwaters - Lewisburg West Virginia | Apply Here


Seasonal Field Technician - Macroinvertebrates (June-Oct)

Midwest Biodiversity Institute - Hilliard, OH | Apply Here


Water Quality Coordinator

Muskingum Watershed Conservation District - New Philadelphia, OH | Apply Here


Wetland Scientist and also Water Resources Engineer

Chagrin Valley Engineering - Cleveland, OH | Apply Here


Environmental Scientist

WSP - Multiple Ohio Locations | Apply Here

 

WVP Resources

 

Recording

Hours

Events

Videos & Learning

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