Is it really a problem?

It might not seem like a stormwater problem, but animal waste is one of the many seemingly small sources of pollution that can add up to big problems for water quality, and even human health.

Animal waste contains two main types of pollutants that harm local waters: nutrients and pathogens. When this waste ends up in water bodies, it decomposes, releasing nutrients that cause excessive growth of algae and weeds. This makes the water murky, green, smelly, and even unusable for swimming, boating, or fishing. The pathogens, disease causing bacteria and viruses, can also make local waters unswimmable and unfishable, and have caused severe illness in humans. As you can see, animal waste doesn’t simply decompose. So, the easiest way to avoid these problems is to avoid these problems is to clean up after your pet each and every time, and dispose of the waste properly!

Picking up after your pet is easy, if you’re prepared. Simply carry a plastic bag with you on every walk with your dog, and you’ll have the equipment to remove your dog’s waste. Then throw it in the nearest trash can, and you’re done! There are even compact, refillable bag dispensers that you can attach right to your dog’s leash. Click here to request a free dog bag waste container from us.