Managing Dog Waste | Partnership for the DE Estuary

Stormwater

Manage Dog Waste

Dog Waste Watershed Greening Storm Drain Marking Program Municipal Stormwater Assistance

What to Do with Dog Doo

When pet waste is left on the ground, rain and snowmelt can wash it into storm drains or directly into waterways. Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey estimate that animal waste is to blame for 20 to 30 percent of water pollution in America. Animal waste breeds harmful bacteria, promotes excessive plant growth, and causes algae blooms, which can kill fish and other animals.

According to the EPA, dog poop is as toxic to the environment as chemical and oil spills

1g of dog poop contains over 23 million fecal bacteria

Our natural ecosystem can handle 2 dogs per square mile. In urban areas, there are about 125 dogs per square mile!

What We Are Doo-ing

Philadelphia Water Department Best Friend

Together with the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), we’re partnering with dog-focused organizations to educate dog owners about the impacts of dog waste on the environment. This includes providing animal clinics and rescues with free dog waste bags and bag dispensers and educational brochures to distribute to new and existing pet owners! We also attend events throughout Philadelphia to interact with dog owners and provide information on proper pet waste disposal.

2026 Philadelphia Water Department Spokesdog Contest

Philly…your dog could be the next Philadelphia Water Department Spokesdog to help educate Philadelphia dog owners about the importance of picking up after their pup!

Stay tuned for more information about the 2026 Spokesdog Competition.

Previous Spokesdogs

Since 2011, PDE has partnered with the Philadelphia Water Department to elect a Spokesdog for the City, a clean-water doggy mascot tasked with educating dogs (and their owners!) about the impacts of pet waste on the environment.

The competition has taken on a variety of forms, including neighborhood-based pageants, online social media campaigns, and citywide competitions featuring both pups from Philadelphia and those awaiting a new home in local shelters.

Throughout the years, we have partnered with many organizations, including Morris Animal Refuge, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Pennsylvania SPCA, ACCT Philly, and Street Tails Animal Rescue. The elected Spokesdogs past and present are always doo-ing their part to help keep our local waterways clean!

Check out our social media, @DelawareEstuary on Faceboo k, Instagram, and Twitter, to learn more about the connection between dog waste and clean water. And stay tuned for more details on the 2025 Spokesdog Competition and how your pup may get the chance to be the next Philadelphia Water Department Spokesdog!