– Their gut bacteria: While all poo is potentially dangerous to human health, pet poo is especially full of harmful bacteria and sometimes parasites. The microbes in their waste make people and other dogs very sick.
– The time: In ideal conditions, pet waste takes weeks to break down. That time can extend to more than a year in cold climates. Most people applying fertilizer are looking for results before next year.
– Their food: Generally, livestock is fed a diet that is high in grains and fibers. Our pets are offered food that is mostly protein. This high-protein diet becomes poo with very few usable nutrients for plants.
Pet Waste: Small Mess, Big Water Quality Impact
Our Water, Our Responsibility
Most pet owners know the importance of cleaning up after their dogs. What many people don’t realize is that picking up pet waste also helps protect local water quality.
When pet waste is left on sidewalks, lawns, parks, or along trails, rainfall and snowmelt can wash bacteria and nutrients into storm drains, ditches, streams, rivers, and lakes. Unlike wastewater from homes, stormwater is generally not treated before entering local waterways. That means anything left on the ground can end up in our water.
What’s in Pet Waste?
Pet waste contains bacteria, parasites, and nutrients that can affect water quality.
Common pollutants found in pet waste include:
- Bacteria
- Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
- Organic matter that can reduce water quality as it decomposes
When these pollutants enter waterways, they can contribute to water quality concerns and create unhealthy conditions for people, pets, and wildlife.
How Does Pet Waste Reach Waterways?
Many people assume pet waste naturally breaks down and disappears. While it does decompose over time, rainfall often moves the waste before that process is complete.
A typical storm can wash pollutants from:
- Sidewalks
- Parks
- Lawns
- Trails
- Streets
into nearby storm drains and waterways.
This type of pollution is known as nonpoint source pollution because it comes from many small sources spread across a community rather than a single pipe or discharge location.
Simple Steps That Make a Difference
Fortunately, preventing pet waste pollution is easy.
- Always pick up after your pet.
- Dispose of waste in the trash.
- Carry waste bags during walks.
- Encourage others to clean up after their pets.
- Keep pet waste away from storm drains, ditches, and waterways.
These small actions help keep pollutants out of Nebraska’s streams, rivers, and lakes.
Every Scoop Helps
Protecting water quality doesn’t always require large projects or expensive infrastructure. Sometimes it starts with simple everyday choices.
The next time you take your dog for a walk, remember: what stays on the ground today could end up in a waterway tomorrow.
Our Water, Our Responsibility.
Acceptable poo management? Flush it. Double bag it and throw it away. Compost it if you want to (away from edible crops and waterways).
Whatever you do, always pick up poo.