Pet waste isn’t just a nuisance in yards and parks – it’s a significant environmental concern that affects our local waterways and public health. The Delhi Township Environmental Commission wants residents to understand the importance of proper pet waste management.
When left on the ground, pet waste can be washed into storm drains by snow melt, rain, and sprinkler runoff. Since most storm sewers flow directly into rivers, lakes, and streams without treatment, this runoff – polluted with pet waste – can severely contaminate our surface waters.
Just one gram of dog waste can contain as many as 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. It can also harbor salmonella, giardia, and other bacteria and parasites that spread disease and impair water quality.
What can pet owners do to help?
- Always carry a bag (preferably biodegradable) when walking pets and be sure to pick up after them.
- Regularly clean up pet waste from your yard, or hire a pet waste removal company for routine cleaning.
- Pick up waste before rain, watering your yard, or cleaning patios and driveways. Never hose pet waste into the street or gutter.
- Dispose of pet waste properly – throw it away with household trash, place it in special containers located in Delhi Parks and on trails, or flush it when you get home.
By taking these simple steps, pet owners can play a crucial role in protecting our local environment and keeping our community’s water resources clean and safe.
For more information on pet waste management and its environmental impact, visit: