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Pet Waste & Water Quality

 

Charleston’s, oceans, rivers, streams, beaches and oyster beds need your help!

 

Some pet owners aren’t aware that dumping pet waste in a ditch or storm drain, or leaving it in their yard can degrade water quality and pose health risks.

 

At least half of all surface-water pollution in the country comes from contaminated runoff. Pet waste contributes to the pollution that is transported by runoff every time it rains. Pollutants from pet waste that is not properly disposed of may be channeled by rain directly into rivers, lakes and streams, or into storm sewers (that usually drain into rivers, lakes and streams). Eventually, pollutants carried in this water find their way into the ocean.

 

When pet waste is washed into rivers, lakes, streams or coastal waters, it harms our environment in several ways. First, the waste carries nutrients that stimulates the growth of weeds and algae. Overly fertile water becomes cloudy and green—unattractive for swimming, boating and fishing. Second, as the waste and the algae decay, oxygen is depleted, which can lead to fish kills. Also, ammonia can be released, further endangering Charleston’s fish population.

What are the health risks

associated with pet waste?

 

Your health may also be at risk when pet waste is not disposed of properly. Bacteria from pet waste contaminates shellfish (oysters, mussels, clams). SC DHEC (Dept of Health & Environmental Control) often issues shellfish bed closures because of the increased bacteria in storm water runoff that washes into the waterways. There is an increased risk of  human illness from shellfish consumption during this time. Perhaps most importantly, pet waste carries diseases that make water unsafe for swimming or drinking. Children who play outside and adults who garden are most at risk for infection from some of the bacteria and parasites found in pet waste. Flies spread diseases from animal waste. Diseases or parasites transmitted from pet waste to humans include the following:

 

Campylobacteriosis: A bacterial infection carried by dogs and cats that frequently causes diarrhea in humans.

 

Cryptosporidium: A protozoan parasite carried by dogs, cats, mice, calves and many other mammals. Common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and dehydration. It can be fatal to people with depressed immune systems.

 

Toxocariasis: Roundworms usually are transmitted from dogs to humans, often without noticeable symptoms, but may cause vision loss, a rash, fever or cough.

 

Toxoplasmosis: A protozoan parasite carried by cats that can cause birth defects such as mental retardation and blindness if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy; also a problem for people with depressed immune systems. Symptoms include headache, muscle aches and lymph node enlargement.

 

 

You can make a difference

 

Fortunately, there are some simple things we can all do to help keep our water clean. The job of cleaning up after your pet can be as simple as taking a plastic bag or “pooper scooper” along on your next walk. Many communities have “pooper scooper” laws that govern pet waste cleanup. Some of these laws

specifically require anyone who takes an animal off their property to carry a bag, shovel or pooper scooper. Any waste left by the animal must be cleaned up immediately. Call your local municipality to find out more about local pet waste laws.

 

What should you do with the waste you pick up? Here are four options:

 

1)  Flush it down the toilet: The water from your toilet goes to a septic system or sewage treatment plant that removes most pollutants before the water reaches a river, lake, stream or the ocean.

 

2)  Bury it in the yard: Dig a hole or trench that is about 12 inches deep, away from vegetable gardens, and away from any river, lake, stream, ditch, well or the ocean. Microorganisms in the soil will break down the waste and release nutrients to fertilize nearby plants. To protect yourself and your family from disease, keep pet waste away from vegetable gardens and water supplies. Don’t add pet waste to your compost pile. The pile won’t get hot enough to kill disease organisms in pet waste.

 

3)  Put it in the trash: Check local ordinances first. Putting pet waste in the trash may be against the law in some communities. Even if legal and easy, it is not the best solution. Waste taken to the landfill or incinerator can still cause pollution problems. Another option is to install an underground pet waste digester that works like a small septic tank. Before buying one, check local laws that may restrict their use, design or location.

 

4) Call Scoopy Doos: Scoopy Doos is a great option for pet owners who are too busy to clean up their pet’s waste. It is an easy and affordable way to take care of your family and our waterways.

 

Share your knowledge

 

If every pet owner in the Lowcountry properly disposed of pet waste, we could see measurable social,

environmental and economic impacts,

including decreases in water-borne disease, improved water quality and more oyster harvesting. Many pet owners believe that they cannot make that much impact on the problem of pollution. SC DHEC estimates that in Charleston alone, cats and dogs produce up to 10,000 pounds of waste each day, which is essentially 10,000 pounds of raw sewage that people are exposed to via waterways. This number could be down considerably if all pet owners would scoop the poop and dispose of it properly.