Do you pick up after your pets? You should!
Animal waste contributes both phosphorus and harmful bacteria to local waters. It is a potential source of nutrients and pathogens (disease-causing organisms), which can degrade water quality making it unsafe and undesirable for drinking, swimming, boating, fishing, shell fishing, scenic value, and aquatic life. These bacteria can pose health risks to humans and other animals, and result in the spread of disease. There are safe practices for handling and disposing of pet waste. In doing so, you are protecting both the environment and your health.

What should you do with pet waste?
Clean up after your dog: Preventing water pollution can be as easy as remembering to take along a plastic bag or pooper scooper when you walk your dog. Scoopers are available in most pet stores.

Hire someone to scoop for you! Believe it or not, a number of scooping service providers have opened businesses to address this increasing need. Find an international directory of them at Pooper-Scooper.com.

Dispose of it properly: Once you've done — or paid someone else to do — the dirty work, you can dispose of the waste in a variety of ways:
• Flush it down the toilet (without the bag)
• Pet waste should also be collected daily from your own yard. Pet waste should not be deposited or left near drinking water wells, storm drains, surface water bodies, or children’s play areas. Keep these areas clean.
• Bury it in your yard, at least five inches deep and located away from food gardens, kids' play areas, waterways, wetlands, wells or ditches
• Install an in-ground pet waste digester, which is much like a small septic tank, and dispose of it there. Digesters are generally available in pet stores and in pet supply catalogs for between $50 and $75.