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Clean Water and Pet Waste
By John Ferguson South Plainfield Environmental Commission Storm Water Committee

What is the Problem with Pet Waste?

Rain can wash pet waste that sits on a lawn or paved surface into storm drains ultimately ending up in our lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Pet waste contains coliform bacteria and other pollutants that can make people sick, often cause beach closures on lake or the ocean. Bacteria from pet waste can pollute our drinking water, as well as kill fish, wildlife, and plants. Pet waste is not only a health hazard but also a nuisance in our neighborhoods.

Why should we care about Clean Water?

Stormwater pollution is one of the greatest threats to New Jersey’s clean water supply. Clean water provides access to safe drinking water, a place for recreation, healthy wildlife habitats and adds beauty to our landscape. Rain washes pollutants from streets, parking lots and lawns into storm drains, then directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and the ocean.

By making small easy changes in our daily lives we can keep common pollutants out of stormwater, like when picking up the waste when you walk your pet, properly dispose of the pet waste in the trash or toilet but do not dispose of pet waste in storm drains.