Dog Waste

"Responsible neighbors pick up after their pets"

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the typical dog excretes three quarters of a pound of waste per day - or 274 pounds per year!

Fortunately, most of us scoop that poop and dispose of it responsibly -- bagging it and putting it in the trash. But a few residents don't -- and that is one reason that many of our local rivers have high levels of disease-causing fecal coliform bacteria.

Dog waste left on the ground washes toward our tidal rivers each time it rains. The germs move from yards, parks and street sides through storm runoff and street drains, eventually reaching our waterways.

If you're not yet convinced of the need to scoop your dogs' poop -- EVERY time, EVERY where -- here's a few things you should know. An online survey found that area residents:

• 77% agree that "Responsible neighbors pick up after their pet in public areas"
• 71% agree that "Responsible neighbors pick up after their pet on private property."
• 57% agree that "I am aware of which neighbors leave pet waste in public areas"
• 62% agree that "I am aware of which neighbors leave pet waste in their yards:

In other words -- your neighbors want you to be responsible and they know if you aren't. 

It's easy to be a responsible neighbor. Just scoop up your dog's poop and throw it away. In the trash. Do it when you're walking your dog in public areas. And clean up your own yard every few days, too.

Neighbors for Clean Water wants YOU to take the pledge - the pledge to scoop the poop on public and private property, that is!