This week was National Ground Water Awareness Week, but I wonder, who recognizes that? Overwhelmingly, the answer should be everyone and every business! Nearly 90 percent of municipal water systems rely on groundwater and millions of Americans rely on private wells – and it only takes one person to contaminate the groundwater for a vast number of other people.

Many businesses have “gone green” and, recently, auto repair centers have begun joining that evolution. This is good news because, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, millions of gallons of used motor oil are dripped, spilled, or poured onto the ground or down storm drains – and it only takes four quarts of used motor oil to foul one million gallons of drinking water! Green auto repair facilities are those that go out of their way to prevent pollution and conserve natural resources. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has set high standards for auto repair shops to be Green Certified, many of which are designed to protect our groundwater. Some of those standards include:

•Using water-based cleaning compounds,
•Using a parts washer and sink that filters and re-circulates the cleaning solution,
•Recycling antifreeze, waste oil, and brake fluid,
•Using responsible housekeeping practices to clean up and eliminate spills, drips, and leaks, and
•Keeping exact inventory to identify and prevent leaks of automotive fluids and cleaners.

The standards to become Green Certified are tough and ongoing certification requires diligence and maintenance, but there are responsible auto repair facilities that have made the commitment to our environment. Good Works Auto Repair has stepped up to the challenge and is collecting “green” points toward full certification! Won’t you join us in protecting our groundwater?