Pet Owners

Last Content Update: Monday, July 14, 2025

Your dog may be small, but their waste can cause some big problems!

When it rains in a forest, most of the water sinks into the ground. But when it rains in a city like Athens, most of that water becomes stormwater runoff. Runoff runs alongside sidewalks and roads, picking up pollutants such as pet waste on its way to the storm drains. Anything that ends up in the storm drains eventually flows into our waterways.

Because runoff is not treated, it carries pet waste directly into our streams and rivers. When pet waste is in our rivers and streams, it not only harms our water but can also harm our health. Pet waste can contain bacteria and parasites like E. coli and roundworm, which can make people and other animals sick.

Pet waste may be natural, but it can actually kill aquatic life and disrupt stream habitats. When pet waste decays, it uses up the oxygen in the water. Aquatic plants and animals need oxygen to survive, so when the oxygen levels drop, they start to die. Pet waste in our water can also lead to harmful algal blooms. The algae use oxygen as well, leaving even less oxygen for the plants and animals that need it.

When our waters are polluted by pet waste, we can no longer use them for swimming or fishing. Pollution in our waters also makes drinking water treatment more costly and difficult. Pollution also kills animals and plants living in our waters. While pollution is bad, the good thing is that you can make a difference! Start with something small like picking up your pet's waste!

You can be the solution to POO-LLUTION!

Reducing the harmful effects of pet waste is as simple as reducing the amount of pet waste that reaches our waterways. This means cleaning up after your pet and encouraging those around you to do the same!

Pet waste can be bagged or buried. Always remember to bring bags with you when you walk so that you can pick up after your pet! Once you've picked up after your pet, make sure to close the bag tightly and throw it in a trash can. If your dog uses the bathroom in your yard and you don't want to use a bag to pick it up, you can bury it! Dig a hole that is at least a foot deep, shovel the waste into the hole, and cover it with eight inches of soil or more.

When you pick up after your pet, you are helping to keep everyone in Athens-Clarke County healthy by keeping our waterways clean!

Pet Owners

Your dog may be small, but their waste can cause some big problems!

You can be the solution to POO-LLUTION!

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