When your dog goes on the lawn, remember it doesn't just go on the lawn.
He might be man's best friend, but pet waste in our water is doggone BAD!
Pet waste makes for toxic runoff. Stormwater runoff can wash bacteria from pet waste directly into storm systems which run to Moses
Lake, where families swim and fish.
Bacteria, parasites and viruses contained in pet waste are a health risk to other animals and people. Fecal coliform bacteria, found in the waste of warm-blooded animals, is a common pollutant in Washington waterways. High levels of this bacteria can make the water unsafe for humans to swim and play in.
Nutrients in pet waste also 'feed the weeds' and algae. This nutrient-rich water is cloudy, green, stinky, and unhealthy for swimming, boating, fishing or drinking. When pet waste decays, it uses up oxygen and releases ammonia, which can kill fish.
Pet waste doesn't have to be a problem. What will you do to help?