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