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Department of Ecology News Release - May 1, 2008
08-109
Phosphorus limit on dish soaps starts July 1 in Whatcom County - Law
effective statewide in 2010
BELLINGHAM – Dishwasher detergents for sale in Whatcom County must be nearly
phosphorus free starting July 1, 2008.
In an ongoing effort to improve water quality in lakes, rivers, streams and
marine waters, the state of Washington is phasing out the distribution and sale
of detergents that contain more than 0.5 percent phosphorus.
Because soaps designed for washing dishes by hand are phosphorus-free
already, the new requirement affects only soaps used in automatic dishwashers.
Although the ban on high-phosphorus dishwashing detergents doesn’t take
effect statewide until 2010, state legislation brings better water-quality
protection this year in two counties – Whatcom and Spokane – where delicate
environmental conditions demand immediate action.
The law includes one exception to the 0.5 percent phosphorus limit: In
Whatcom County only, the law allows the sale of single-use packets of automatic
dishwasher detergent that contain up to 2.0 grams of phosphorus per packet.
“The work we’ve done in Lake Whatcom highlights the sensitivity of our
environment to phosphorus,” said Steve Hood, a water quality engineer at
Ecology’s Bellingham office. “Everyone should do what they can to minimize how
much phosphorus enters the environment.”
Phosphorus feeds algae blooms, and when algae die, their decay uses up
oxygen, choking lakes and streams and suffocating salmon and other aquatic life.
Large algae blooms may also result in the need for more treatment of drinking
water supplies.
Lake Whatcom, the drinking water source for 87,000 people, is designated as
an impaired water body because its oxygen levels are below state water quality
standards. Ecology is working to determine how much phosphorus the lake can
process and meet state standards for oxygen.
"This law isn't going to be the single solution to our water quality
problems," Hood said. "Protecting our water from algae growth and oxygen
depletion will require a significant change in the way we deal with stormwater.
But we can all help by doing our part."
Many producers of popular dishwashing detergent brands have not yet developed
effective phosphorus-free products for automatic dishwashers. But a few
detergents are available now that meet the new requirements, and larger
producers say they are developing new products that will comply with the new
restrictions.
The new limits on phosphorus in dishwasher detergent are an extension of
low-phosphorus requirements in place for laundry detergent since 1994.
While the law establishes limits on phosphorus and deadlines for compliance,
it does not provide for enforcement actions.
While the law establishes limits on phosphorus and deadlines for compliance,
Richard Grout, manager of Ecology’s Bellingham office, said: “We’re relying on
retailers and distributors to do the right thing . And people want clean water,
so we anticipate Whatcom County residents will start reading labels to make sure
the products on the shelves comply with the law.” (Updated: 3 p.m., 5-1-08)
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Media Contacts: Katie Skipper, communications
manager, 360-715-5205 desk, 360-303-9262 cell,
kski461@ecy.wa.gov
Steve Hood, water quality engineer, 360-715-5211,
shoo461@ecy.wa.gov
Richard Grout, Bellingham Field Office Manager, 360-715-5200
For more information:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/nonpoint/phosphorus/PhosphorusBan.html
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
