Protecting Our Water: The Impact of Pet Waste

This story was featured in the Northfield News

It may not seem like a stormwater problem, but pet waste is one of the many seemingly small sources of pollution that can significantly affect water quality and human health. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial to safeguarding local waterways.

Pet waste contains two main pollutants that can harm local waterways: nutrients and pathogens. When this waste ends up in bodies of water, it decomposes and releases nutrients that lead to excessive growth of algae and weeds. This growth makes the water appear murky, green, and smelly. As the algae eventually dies, it consumes the oxygen in the water, making it impossible for aquatic life to survive. Additionally, disease-causing bacteria and viruses in the waste can make local waters unsafe for swimming and fishing, posing serious health risks for humans.

As a community, it is important to recognize that pet waste can be harmful when it decomposes. We all have a responsibility to ensure it is disposed of properly. The solutions are practical and easy to implement. The most effective way to avoid these problems is to clean up after pets every time and dispose of the waste properly.

Picking up after your pet is a simple task that anyone can do. With a little preparation, it becomes even easier. Just 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.

Many parks and recreational areas have courtesy bags and disposal boxes designed specifically for dog waste. Local authorities should be encouraged to install more of these in the areas where people walk their pets.

Moreover, it's important to be mindful of where pets relieve themselves. Avoid letting your dog do their business within 200 feet of a water body, and never throw dog waste into a storm drain.

By taking these simple steps, everyone can contribute to protecting local waterways and ensuring a safer environment for all. Let's work together to keep our waters clean and our communities healthy.