How can pet waste affect nearby water sources?
Dog waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which can deplete oxygen that fish and other water-based life need to survive, as well as encourage the growth of harmful algae. It is also considered a significant source of pathogens like fecal coliform, a disease-causing bacteria.
The innovative pet waste disposal system in Richland County’s parks offers an eco-friendly, sanitary and easy solution to pet waste pollution. Installed in-ground, the system acts as a miniature septic tank, utilizing enzymes and bacteria to turn dog waste into a harmless ground-absorbed liquid. The resulting liquid is odorless and harmless to pets, lawns and shrubs.
“We are installing these systems throughout city parks to teach residents how they work, and what the benefits are, in hopes that individual homeowners will install them in their own yards,” explained East Piedmont RC&D Coordinator Reginald Hall.
“Pet waste is a significant, yet preventable, water pollutant,” Hall said. The systems ultimately help protect and improve water quality in the entire urban watershed because they limit harmful runoff that can contaminate nearby bodies of water. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that U.S. households included over 70 million dogs in 2007—that’s a lot of poop!
Every station has a sign nearby to explain proper use and to highlight the environmental benefits of “scooping the poop.” Signs also include contact information for the Richland SWCD, from where individual homeowners can purchase their own systems for $47.50.
Dog waste that isn’t cleaned up isn’t just a hazard for the bottom of your shoes—it is also a cause of pollution in creeks, rivers and lakes across the country. Dog waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which can deplete oxygen that fish and other water-based life need to survive, as well as encourage the growth of harmful algae. It is also considered a significant source of pathogens like fecal coliform, a disease-causing bacteria.
What is the problem with dog waste in our water systems?
Dog waste contains many contaminants harmful to water sources, including phosphorous, nitrogen, bacteria, and parasites. If left on the ground or near storm drains it does not go through appropriate waste treatment facilities as our home wastewater does before re-entering water sources. Not only is aquatic life is threatened by the extra nutrients and pathogens, but the water quality for swimming, boating, and fishing suffers.
As it enters water bodies that supply drinking water, once the contamination reaches the municipal drinking water treatment facilities, more resources are needed in the detection and purification processes to ensure bacteria and viruses such as tapeworm, roundworm or E. coli are removed.
It may be hard to how one dog leaving a small amount of waste is problematic, but the cumulative impact of pet waste can have a significant impact on water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that two days worth of dog waste from about 100 dogs would produce enough pollution to close a beach and all watershed areas within 20 miles of it!
Dog Waste Contaminates Our Water
Animal waste can pose several water quality concerns. It is a potential source of nutrients and pathogens (disease-causing organisms), which can degrade water quality making it unsafe and undesirable for drinking, swimming, boating, fishing, shellfishing, scenic value, and aquatic life.
Pets and urban wildlife are major sources of water contamination because pet waste contains harmful bacteria and parasites. Dog feces can contain fecal coliform bacteria, which can spread diseases like Giardia, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, causing serious illness in humans.