Pets and Pet Waste

Stormwater Information Regarding Pet Waste

Preventing runoff from pet waste from entering our streets and storm drains helps protect our waterways from pollution!  All sources of pollution, including runoff from pet waste, are prohibited from leaving your property; only rainwater is allowed in the streets and storm drains.

Did you know…

  • Pet waste contains high concentrations of bacteria. These pollutants can be easily washed untreated into our storm drains and waterways where they may degrade our water quality and harm aquatic life. 

  • As pet waste decomposes, it demands a high level of oxygen from water. This can kill fish and plant life by reducing the amount oxygen available to them.

 

What can I do?

  • Dispose of waste thoughtfully: picking up after your pet is the number one way to help! If you are doing this at home, using toilet paper to pick it up and flush it down the toilet will ensure it is treated effectively. The next best option is to bag and bin it. If you have kids, we have a program that they may be interested in! For more information on our Poo Points program, please review the Poo Points Recruitment Flyer.

  • Use Best Management Practices (BMPs): BMPs are techniques or controls used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants, such as pet waste, into the storm drain system. BMPs for pet waste include keeping waste bags in numerous locations so you are never without one! Stock up your car or put some extras in your pockets.

 

Want to learn more?

The resources below provide suggested BMPs and further information on how to protect our waterways. Some resources have been translated to multiple languages. Please click the buttons to view available languages:

Pet Waste
Doo Points
 

 

 

 

 

Know before you go…

Bonus points for picking up extra poop that isn’t from your pup on a walk!

 

Contact Us

If you would like to report a pet waste concern, have questions about our program, or would like additional information call the County Storm Drain Pollution hotline at: 1(888) 846-0800 or e-mail us at watersheds@sdcounty.ca.gov 

 

Thank you for doing your part to protect our waterways!

 

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