Dog Waste Is Classified as a Pollutant
The EPA classifies pet waste as a nonpoint source pollutant, placing it in the same category as herbicides, insecticides, and oil runoff. In urban areas, dog waste is the third or fourth largest contributor to bacterial contamination of waterways.
90 million
US Dogs
Producing waste daily
30,000 tons
Daily Output
Of waste nationwide
23 million
Fecal Bacteria
Per gram of dog feces
The Contamination Pathway
- Rain washes waste into storm drains — storm drains flow directly to rivers and lakes without treatment
- Bacteria survive in water for weeks — swimming areas and drinking water sources are affected
- Nitrogen and phosphorus from waste cause algae blooms that kill aquatic life
- Parasites spread through water — Giardia and Cryptosporidium survive in waterways for months
Real-World Impact
Studies in Seattle, Virginia Beach, and Austin have traced 20-30% of bacterial water contamination to pet waste. Some beaches close periodically due to fecal coliform counts driven largely by dog waste from nearby neighborhoods.
Warning
Leaving dog waste on the ground is not "natural fertilizer." Unlike herbivore manure, carnivore waste contains pathogens dangerous to humans, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems.
Be Part of the Solution
Every pile removed is a pile that does not reach a waterway. Professional waste removal by Clean Paws ensures complete pickup — including the deposits you might miss — keeping your property and your community's water clean.