It's not a good idea to throw away your dog's waste down a storm drain!
When canine feces are pushed into a storm drain, they typically flow untreated through the storm sewer system and directly into a local stream, river, or even an open drainage area. This can contaminate the local water source with bacteria, nutrients, and other pollutants, making it hazardous for wildlife and recreation and potentially impacting drinking water sources. It is simply littering.
Storm drains capture and transport rainwater. They don't connect to sewage treatment facilities like house drains.
Pet waste will litter and pollute waterways. Rainwater collects dog stool bags and transports them straight into the nearest rivers, lakes, and streams without processing.
This has a variety of problems:
- Pathogenic bacteria: Dog feces contain bacteria that sicken animals and humans.
- Overgrowth of algae and weeds: The dog waste nutrients may cause the overgrowth of weeds and algae, decreasing water oxygen and killing aquatic organisms.
- Contamination of water: Dog waste contaminants can contaminate drinking water sources.
- Lower water quality: General water quality is impacted, rendering it unsafe for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Proper disposal is a requirement:
You should always pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste in a responsible manner, either in the trash or in a dog waste receptacle.
Overall, plugging dog waste down a storm drain is a form of pollution that can have serious effects on our environment and health.