Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 391 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 391-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Subject 391-3-31 - RULES FOR WATER CONSERVATION BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND CERTIFICATION
Rule 391-3-31-.03 - Carwash Best Management Practices and Certification

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 391-3-31-.03

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Best Management Practices for car washes:

(a) The facility will have a backflow prevention device installed on the potable water supply.

(b) All spray nozzles will be changed annually.

(d) All hoses and faucets will be attended or shut off. All hoses will utilize an automatic shutoff valve.

(e) All hand-held hoses must have a flow no greater than 3 gallons a minute.

(f) Driveways and impervious surfaces may be washed with high pressure, low volume systems for health/safety purposes only.

(g) If spot-free reverse osmosis water is used, the reverse osmosis reject water shall be reused in the vehicle wash process.

(h) For Self-Serve Car Washes, the wash nozzle and pump system will be high-pressure and flow at no greater than 3 gallons per minute.

(i) For Conveyor Car Washes, automatic high-level water cut-offs will be installed in all towel and chamois washing machines.

(j) For Conveyor Car Washes constructed after January 1, 2000, a minimum of 50% of water utilized will be recycled.

(2) Carwash Certification:

(a) Certification Program Requirements:

1. Car washes must be inspected at least annually by a backflow assembly tester, accredited per 391-3-5-.13(7), for compliance with the applicable best management practices using an inspection form developed by the Division.

2. Car washes that fail inspection and do not provide an adequate remedy within 30 days of the inspection failure will have their certifications revoked.

3. The inspector shall issue an accreditation, which shall have the date of issuance, date for reaccreditation, the name of the car wash, and the name, license or certification number, and signature of the inspector.

4. The individual car wash must submit a copy of the accreditation and $50.00 for each individual permanent facility car wash to the Division. Such certification and payment of fee must occur annually.

(b) Certification:

1. A car wash shall be considered certified when it has been issued a certification by the Division and the certification has not expired.

2. Failure to renew a certification shall mean the car wash is considered an outdoor water use for purposes of any outdoor watering restrictions.

O.C.G.A. Secs. 12-5-31, 12-5-102 et seq.

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