Hey I noticed plenty of black drit that is not easy to clean out on the rear bumper in that indent.
http://members.aol.com/mlapayower/rear.jpg
Can dirt and excess water being collected in there lead to any future problems?

Probably not seeing as how its on a plastic part. You could get the rear bumper cover and you would never even notice that channel in the bumper.

Toothbrush. Next time you wash it just run an old toothbrush through that channel.

It will be a while before we can hand wash! :(

It will be a while before we can hand wash! :(

I keep forgeting that :cool:

Sure keep rubbing it in! :) :beer:

My sandstone HHR, has that portion of the bumber black, the area inside the groove and the groove. Humm, is that an option, would not of thought they where different, part of the front bumper is also black, and on the topside of the running boards..

Yup, its a dealer installed option. You can purchase them from Chevy though.