Why Pet Waste is Bad for Water Quality

Contrary to popular belief, pet waste is not a good fertilizer for the environment. Pet owners who do not pick up after their animals are allowing harmful bacteria to enter the environment. Many animals, whether pet owners realize it or not, carry diseases that are spread by feces and can contaminate waterbodies used by aquatic life and humans. Some of the common diseases spread by animals include: campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidium, toxocariasis, and toxoplasmosis.

How to Reduce or Prevent Pet Waste and Bacteria From Reaching Our Waterways

• Carry a bag with you when walking the dog so that it can be picked up and thrown into the trash.
• Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste from your yard on a regular basis, especially prior to rain.
• Make sure your pet is vaccinated regularly. This will help prevent the spread of diseases.
• Spay or neuter your pet if you do not want more animals. Preventing the increase of undomesticated animals will help curb diseases and waste from entering our waterbodies. Contact the local Humane Society at (760) 757-4357 for more information, or visit their website at sdhumane.org.
• Waste from livestock, horses, or other large animals must be cleaned from uncovered areas at least twice a week and disposed of in the landfill or composted.

What the Laws Say About Pet Waste

It is illegal to leave your pet waste lying on the ground -- you must pick up after your pet.

Contact

Report any water running in the street when it is not raining or someone dumping something in the storm drain or curb and gutter by calling (760) 435-4500.