The exact regulations are uncertain
Paragraph 48 of the WHG states that “a permit for the introduction and discharge of substances into the groundwater may only be granted if there is no reason to fear any adverse change in the water quality”. The wording of this provision is rather imprecise. It neither gives precise instructions nor does it show examples of explicit facts that are fundamentally prohibited. According to the catalog of fines, the interpretation of the requirement is therefore up to each municipality. The only thing that needs to be ruled out is that contaminated water can get into the ground.
For private individuals who want to wash their car at home, this means that the cleaning water must be drained off in a controlled and clean manner. A car wash on unpaved ground, for example a meadow, is therefore prohibited in any case. The cleaning of the street, where the water can flow into a gully, initially seems to be within the limits of what is permitted. However, the communities have different views on this. While some places allow rinsing with clean water, other areas are already seeing the risk of contamination from residues. An introduction to the local sewage system is also not permitted everywhere. There are regulations that stipulate that the waste water from the car wash must not be routed into channels that also collect rainwater. In this case, the installation of a special drain is essential for private cleaning. This makes doing your own thing practically impossible and literally forces the driver to go to a professional car wash.
The amounts of money to be paid in the event of a violation of the rules can be read on the website of the catalog of fines. Due to different regulations, the price ranges are quite large and vary from state to state. The highest possible penalty is possible in Saxony, where in the worst case up to 100,000 euros can be due. However, a fine of just 25 euros can also be incurred. In general, however, the fines are between 25 and 50,000 euros across regions.
Allowed or forbidden?
In conclusion, it can be said that thorough car washing on one’s own private property is not permitted in most cases. It is therefore advisable to avoid it. With a trip to the car wash you are definitely on the safe side.
However, smaller cleanings such as cleaning the windows or vacuuming the interior are not a problem. The application of a fine polish is also permitted.
If you still don’t want to do without your own laundry, you should find out more about the applicable regulations from the local regulatory office.
Editorial office finanzen.net
Image sources: REDPIXEL PL / Shutterstock.com