When pet waste is left on the ground, rain and snowmelt can wash it into storm drains or directly into waterways. This “stormwater runoff” can contaminate our sources of drinking water.
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. This kill fish and other animals by robbing water of oxygen.
'Doo' Something About it
Scoop the Poop
No one likes to step in doggie doo or know that it’s washing down the storm drain. If you’re a dog owner, you can prevent that by cleaning up after your pooch.
Philly Spokesdog Competition
PDE has an exciting partnership with Philadelphia Water Department and Morris Animal Refuge to educate Philadelphia residents about the impact of dog waste on our waterways! With some help from Morris Animal Refuge’s adorable shelter pups, we will be asking the public to vote on the next “Spokesdog” to be Philly Water’s Best Friend. The winner of the 2019 Spokesdog Competition will be celebrated at a fun, dog-friendly event in June and used in pet waste education campaigns for a full year. Vote for your favorite pup by liking our posts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter between May 1 and May 24 – find them at @DelawareEstuary
Check out a video about Morris Animal Shelter’s participation in the 2019 Spokesdog Competition: