That driveway car wash could be doing more damage to Clear Lake than people realize. Lake County’s Clean Water Program says runoff from washing vehicles at home sends soap, grease and phosphates into storm drains, helping feed the harmful algae blooms that show up every year. Officials say commercial car washes are the safest option because the water gets captured and treated instead of flowing straight into the lake. If you wash your car at home, they recommend doing it on the lawn and keeping soapy water out of storm drains whenever possible.