Health and Water Quality Risks

Pet waste is a pollutant that can affect human and pet health as well as the health of our creeks and lakes.

Human and Pet Health:

Pet waste can carry various organisms, including, but not limited to, Salmonella, E. coli, and Giardia, most of which can survive in the waste or soil for at least four months and sometimes for years. These can cause mild to severe gastroenteritis. The Center for Disease Control estimates that Giardia alone results in two million illnesses in the US, 90% of which are from water sources.

General References

• Hazardous Organisms found in Dog Waste (Snohomish County)

Bacteria/Parasites

• Salmonella (Center for Disease Control)
• Giardia (Center for Disease Control)
• Roundworm (Center for Disease Control)
• E. Coli (Center for Disease Control)

Water Quality

Rainwater washes pet waste into our creeks and lakes where it then decays. This can reduce the oxygen supply and release ammonia, sometimes resulting in a fish kill. Pet waste also contains nutrients that can encourage unattractive weed and algae growth.

Fast Facts Pet Waste and Water Quality (University of Maryland, Cooperative Extension) Managing Pet and Wildlife Waste to Prevent Contamination (EPA) Swimming Tips in Natural Waterbodies

Scoop the Poop contact: email, or call 512-974-2454