Trust & Compliance

Stormwater & Runoff Compliance in Jacksonville

Wash water carries whatever it picks up — dirt, algae treatment, oil residue — straight into the storm drain if it isn’t contained. Here’s how we handle runoff responsibly under Duval County and St. Johns County rules.

Storm drains in Jacksonville and across the First Coast connect directly to local waterways — the St. Johns River, its tributaries, and the Intracoastal — without treatment in between. Duval County and St. Johns County both enforce illicit-discharge ordinances that prohibit letting wash water, cleaning chemicals, or dislodged debris flow into a storm drain or directly into a waterway. This applies to pressure washing contractors just as it applies to any other business working outdoors, and it’s a standard we build into every job rather than treating as an afterthought.

Our Standard

How We Contain & Dispose of Wash Water

Storm drain protection — drain covers or berms placed before work begins on any job near a curb inlet
Biodegradable, low-toxicity cleaners used wherever surface conditions allow, reducing what enters groundwater if any runoff occurs
Vacuum recovery or diversion to landscaped/pervious areas instead of directly into storm infrastructure, on jobs where runoff volume is significant
Extra care on waterfront jobs — docks, seawalls, and pool decks near the St. Johns River get the most conservative containment approach

Why It Matters

Protects local waterways homeowners and the community rely on

Keeps you, the property owner, clear of liability for a contractor’s discharge

Standard practice on every job, not an upsell or special request

FAQ

Stormwater & Runoff Questions

Am I liable if a pressure washing company lets water run into a storm drain?+

Enforcement typically targets the business performing the work, but as the property owner you want a contractor who takes this seriously so you’re never drawn into a compliance issue on your property.

Do you use chemicals that are safe for nearby landscaping and waterways?+

We favor biodegradable, lower-toxicity cleaning agents wherever surface conditions allow, and adjust chemical choice and dilution around pools, gardens, and waterfront areas.

Is runoff containment required for residential jobs, or just commercial?

Illicit-discharge ordinances generally apply regardless of property type — we use the same containment standard on residential house washes as we do on commercial and HOA properties.

What happens to wash water on dock and seawall jobs?

Waterfront jobs get our most conservative approach, since work happens directly over or adjacent to the St. Johns River and Intracoastal — see our waterfront & dock properties page for details.