Pet Waste

Pet Waste & Water Flyer

What's the Problem?

When pet waste is left on the ground in public or at home, bacteria and excess nutrients can wash into storm drains and eventually into local waterbodies. The waste can contain disease-causing organisms and when it enters our local rivers and streams increases public and aquatic life health risks.

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What Should I Do?

  • Always pick up after your pet. 
  • When walking your pet or cleaning your yard, dispose of pet waste properly by placing it in the trash. Make sure to carry bags with you when you are out walking. 
  • Avoid walking your pet near streams or other waterways. Instead, walk them in grassy areas, parks, or undeveloped areas.
  • Help inform pet owners why picking up pet waste is important and encourage others to do so.

Other Contributors

  • Outdoor cats should be trained to use a litter box. Used litter and cat waste should be bagged and thrown in the trash.
  • Wildlife can contribute unhealthy levels of waste if their populations are concentrated. Don't feed wildlife and keep your trash and pet food well sealed to avoid attracting wildlife to your home.
  • Other sources can include leaking sewers and failing septic systems.