If Raleigh residents were asked to stop bathing in light of the drought, it seems there would be uproars and protests, not only for hygiene purposes, but for the sakes of noses around the city.

But our vehicles do not have that option, and many have been neglected for months. Parking lots in Raleigh are filled with cars whose colors have been dulled by the layer of grime that rests on their paint and bird droppings that cannot be washed off without the use of precious water.

The stage-2 water restrictions, which the City of Raleigh put in place on Feb. 15, prohibit residents from washing vehicles except at designated car wash facilities that are in compliance with water conservation requirements. There are 45 of these locations in Raleigh, according to the City of Raleigh Web site.

But for Trevor Treasure, a senior in paper science and engineering, living with what he describes as a “disgusting” car is a sacrifice he’s willing to make.

“It seems irresponsible to wash your car [during the drought],” he said.

Before the drought began, he said he used to wash his gold-colored car once a month.

Treasure said his car has gone without a wash since last summer, causing a noticeable build-up of grime on the windows and exterior.

Christopher Akpobiyeri, a junior in industrial engineering, has not had to go quite as long with a dirty car. He said he got his car new a few months ago, and it was clean when he bought it.

Now, he said his car is definitely showing dirt. Akpobiyeri said if it weren’t for the drought, he would wash his dark purple car every other week. He said he’s considered going to one of the approved area car wash locations, but doubts they will be around for much longer.

“I definitely would [go to a car wash], but I heard a lot of them are shutting down because of the drought,” he said.

Andrew Reynolds, a senior in business management, said he will wait out the drought to wash his car.

Reynolds said his car is red, and the dirt is visible.

“It’s killing me,” he said.

As far as the car wash locations go, Reynolds said the government shouldn’t regulate them, but that citizens should take it upon themselves to save water.

“I definitely don’t let [my car] get as dirty as it is [when Raleigh is not in a drought],” he said.