Help Keep College Station Safe And Clean
– Always Tidy Up After Your Pet
Information courtesy of College Station Parks & Recreation
A single pile of pet waste may not seem like a big deal – until you consider that 29,500 pets live in College Station. Our furry friends produce about 17,700 pounds of waste daily in our community.
All that waste takes an entire year to break down completely, and unless it’s disposed of properly, it can wash into our local storm sewer system and waterways.
That can create a significant health risk to pets and people.
Only one teaspoon of dog feces in an Olympic-sized pool makes the water unsafe for swimming. In addition, contaminated rainwater can introduce E. coli and other hazardous microorganisms and parasites into water bodies. The most common are Giardia, Salmonella, roundworms, and canine parvovirus.
The nitrogen and phosphorus in dog waste can also cause algal blooms and aquatic weed growth. As the waste decays, it depletes oxygen levels in the water and produces ammonia, which can kill fish and plant life.
So, how can you help? The solution is simple.
When you’re out walking your pets, clean up after them. It’s easy to carry small plastic bags, especially in parks and other public areas. Just scoop the poop, invert, and seal the bag, then toss it into a solid waste container.
Removing pet waste from your yard is also a good idea, especially before substantial rain.
Besides the health impacts, scooping the poop is practicing good manners and respect for your neighbors. It’s considered littering to allow your pet to defecate on someone else’s property or in public areas without removing it.
Please help keep College Station safe and clean – always Scoop the Poop!