Ventura challenges drivers to skip car washes in July

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- The city of Ventura is challenging residents to skip washing their cars for the month of July in an effort to promote water conservation during the statewide drought.

Residents of Ventura County are invited to post pictures of their dirty cars on the Ventura Water Facebook page as part of the "Dirty Car Challenge." The contest is open to all county residents, and a free car wash will be awarded every week of July to the top two dirty car pictures. A grand prize winner gets a complete car detail, awarded to whoever gets the most "likes" on the page by July 30. The prizes are offered by Five Points Car Wash.

The city says certain "dirty car" drivers may be offered prizes on the spot driving around town.

"Don't Wash Your Car" month also aims to educate car owners that professional car washes are a better environmental alternative to washing at home, saving 35-100 gallons of water per wash and recycling the soapy water.