Scoop the Poop!

In the Salt Lake Valley, runoff from rain storms and snowmelt flows directly to local creeks and rivers with NO treatment. Pollution of storm water is a serious problem for wildlife and for the people who live near streams or use them for recreation. Pet waste tops the list of pollutants that impact our water quality and pose harm to human and environmental health.

Salt Lake County is working with citizens and businesses to improve water quality and clean up storm water runoff. We hope you will join us, by keeping pet wastes off the ground and out of our rivers and streams.

Bacteria from improperly disposed pet waste may be washed into the storm drainage system by rain, irrigation, or melting snow.

When pet waste is washed into lakes or streams, the waste decays, using up oxygen and sometimes releasing ammonia. Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with warm temperatures kill fish.

More About Dog Waste and E.coli

Dog waste is indeed a significant problem, particularly in urban areas, due to its link to E. coli contamination. Here’s how dog waste contributes to this issue:

High Dog Population Density

In urban areas, the high density of dogs means a large amount of waste is produced. Even if only a fraction of dog owners neglect to clean up after their pets, it results in a substantial accumulation of waste, which contains a variety of potentially dangerous pathogens, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. E. coli can be harmful, especially certain strains that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

Environmental Pathways

1. Runoff During Rainfall: When it rains, dog waste left on the ground can be washed into storm drains. These drains often lead directly to water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans without treatment. As a result, E. coli from the waste can contaminate these water sources.

2. Groundwater Contamination: In areas where water permeates the soil to replenish groundwater supplies, dog waste can seep into the ground, potentially contaminating underground water reserves.

3. Direct Contact: People, particularly children playing in parks or individuals using green spaces, can come into direct contact with dog waste, risking exposure to E. coli.

Health Implications

E. coli contamination in urban water bodies can lead to several health problems:

• Swimming-Related Illnesses: Contaminated water poses a risk to swimmers and can cause infections if ingested or if it comes into contact with open wounds.

• Drinking Water Concerns: If E. coli-contaminated water enters the drinking water supply, it can lead to widespread outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

• Food Contamination: Urban agriculture, such as community gardens, can be affected if contaminated water is used for irrigation, potentially introducing E. coli into the food chain.

Your Community Can Act Together to Significantly reduce the problem

To mitigate the issue of dog waste and its link to E. coli contamination:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating dog owners about the importance of cleaning up after their pets and the environmental and health risks associated with dog waste.

• Improved Waste Disposal Infrastructure: Installing more waste bins specifically for dog waste and ensuring they are regularly emptied.

• Stormwater Management: Implementing green infrastructure solutions such as permeable pavements and bioswales that reduce runoff and filter contaminants before they reach water bodies.

• Regular Monitoring: Municipalities can conduct regular water quality monitoring to detect and address E. coli contamination promptly.

Addressing the issue of dog waste is crucial for maintaining a healthy urban environment and preventing the spread of E. coli and other harmful pathogens.