Scoop the Poop
Published on March 12, 2025
You’ve probably heard the old myth that leaving dog poop on the ground is fine because it acts as a fertilizer, right? That’s actually not true! There are several reasons you should be scooping the poop every time your pet leaves waste on the ground.
Poop Doesn’t Stay Put
When dog waste is left on the ground, it doesn't just decompose harmlessly. Instead, rainwater can wash it into storm drains, which often lead directly to our rivers, lakes, and streams without any treatment. Remember: storm water drains do not lead to water treatment plants! This means that any contaminants in the waste enter our waterways, potentially affecting water quality and public health.
Why Poop is a Problem
Dog waste is more than just a nuisance; it's a significant environmental pollutant. It contains harmful bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli and Giardia, which can cause illness in humans and wildlife. Additionally, as the waste decomposes in water, it releases nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These excess nutrients can contribute to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life.
What About Wildlife Poop?
You might wonder why dog waste is problematic when wild animals also leave waste outdoors. The key differences lie in diet and population density. Wild animals consume natural diets, and
their waste is a part of the ecosystem's nutrient cycle. In contrast, dogs often eat commercial pet foods rich in proteins and nutrients not native to the local environment. Their waste introduces unnatural nutrient loads, disrupting local ecosystems. Moreover, the high concentration of dogs in urban areas means their impact to local waterways can be significant.
The Importance of Picking Up After Your Pet
Scooping the poop is crucial for maintaining water quality and protecting public health. By picking up after your dog, you're preventing harmful bacteria and excess nutrients from entering our waterways. It's a simple action that contributes significantly to environmental preservation and community well-being! It’s so simple and makes a difference.
Remember, stormwater systems are designed to handle rainwater, not waste. Everything that enters these systems can end up in our natural water bodies, where we play, swim and fish. Let's all do our part to keep our environment clean and our water safe by always scooping the poop.
For more information and resources on preventing water pollution, visit Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services' educational resources.