Government Fleet Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calif. Cities Cease Washing Cars During Drought

The cities of Malibu, Santa Monica, and Burbank have agreed to stop washing their fleet vehicles to help save water at a time when California is experiencing one of the worst droughts in the state's history.

December 1, 2014
Calif. Cities Cease Washing Cars During Drought

 

2 min to read


Three California cities have agreed to stop washing their fleet vehicles to help save water at a time when California is experiencing one of the worst droughts in the state's history.

The City of Malibu is the latest municipality to join the “Go Dirty for the Drought” campaign by conservation group Los Angeles Waterkeeper to raise awareness and conserve water. It joins the City of Santa Monica and the City of Burbank.

The City Malibu will stop washing its 12 fleet vehicles, which are normally washed every other week, for 60 days, and display Los Angeles Waterkeeper’s pledge stickers in the windows to encourage Malibu residents to join the effort. The move will save about 200 gallons, but its real value is in raising awareness on water conservation, according to a city release.

The City of Santa Monica joined the campaign in mid-November. More than 300 city vehicles, including transit buses, are participating in the ‘Dirty Car’ Pledge. Vehicles participating in the pledge are normally washed two to four times per month, and will save nearly 40,000 gallons of water over 60 days.  Almost 200 100% natural gas transit buses will have their exterior washing schedule cut in half, which will save more than 30,000 gallons of water in 60 days and will also reduce a significant amount of energy use.

The City of Burbank pledged to not wash over 350 vehicles for 60 days.

Related Article:

Car Washing Idea Saves San Francisco $75K

More Operations

Women working in technician roles and another woman leading a team.
OperationsMarch 3, 2026

Women in Fleet: Leadership, Innovation, and Industry Evolution

Fleet leadership has moved beyond the shop floor into a role shaped by higher expectations and constant change, and women have helped drive that evolution. But how has that shift happened, and what does effective leadership look like in operations today?

Read More →
image showing several awards with the Government Fleet logo.
Operationsby Nichole OsinskiMarch 3, 2026

Deadline Extended: Government Fleet Awards

Submissions for most awards close Monday, March 9; review award categories, confirm eligibility and requirements, and wrap up your entry before the deadline.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

3 Ways Fleet Tech Builds Public Trust

Managing a state or local fleet comes with levels of accountability private companies don’t have. Read how modern fleet technology helps elevate visibility and safety to strengthen community trust.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

Modernize Motor Pool Operations Without Increasing Cyber Risk

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
Operationsby Staff WriterFebruary 27, 2026

Insight and Advice from Past Winners | The February Dispatch

Revisit a handful of February pieces that still feel relevant, from what top fleet leaders kept consistent over time, to what electrification progress looks like when it’s built on coordination and buy-in, to why associations continue to be a real advantage for public sector fleets.

Read More →
Fleet manager of the year with text 'Leadership Insight.'
Operationsby Staff WriterFebruary 26, 2026

Reflection and Insight from Public Sector Fleet Manger of the Year Winners

This year's Public Sector Fleet Manger of the Year judges relfect on their own industry expereince and share some leadership insights.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredFebruary 26, 2026

MOVING ON FROM DEBATE: A Guide for Fleet Managers Who Just Want To Get Electrification Done

Fleet managers are done with the debate—and focused on execution. Learn how to build a practical electrification strategy that aligns infrastructure, operations, and financing while keeping costs controlled and deployment scalable with support from Blink Charging. Discover how smart planning today positions fleets for long-term performance and ROI.

Read More →
Drone-in-a-box docking station with a quadcopter on top, branded SkyfireAI, positioned outdoors on a concrete surface.
Operationsby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 25, 2026

Ohio Advances Nation’s First Statewide Drone First Responder Program with Selection of Nine Public Safety Agencies

Ohio is moving forward with a first-of-its-kind statewide Drone First Responder pilot, giving nine public safety agencies new tools to improve emergency response times and situational awareness.

Read More →
The BBM logo and the Fleetsource logo.
Operationsby Staff WriterFebruary 25, 2026

Bobit Business Media Expands Fleet Technology Platform with Acquisition of Roadz Partner Portfolio

By combining media authority with marketplace enablement, BBM aims to create a more connected environment where fleets can confidently evaluate solutions and technology companies can accelerate responsible growth.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Operationsby Jeanny RoaFebruary 25, 2026

Electrifying Progress and Building Community: Joseph Mattox's Road to the Public Fleet Hall of Fame

Driven by Community and Sustainability: Mattox’s Approach to Modernizing Municipal Fleet Operations

Read More →