Storm drains can be found on streets throughout South Plainfield. They collect rainwater and prevent road flooding. These drains empty directly into the nearest water body, either a stream or Spring Lake,   without treatment.   This means that a nasty mixture of dog waste and other pollutants left on lawns, on the street, or placed in storm drains, will get washed into our streams when rain falls. Our rivers and streams are areas of recreational swimming, boating and fishing and contribute to our drinking water sources.  

Let’s remove dog waste from the   water pollution cocktail!
Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a courtesy; it’s the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do,   AND it’s the law!

Ordinance 1766 requires pet owners to immediately and properly dispose of their pet’s solid waste from all public and private property. Penalties of up to $2,000 in fines may be imposed for a failure to do so.

Now, what you can do.....
Here’s how to remove  
dog waste from the  
water pollution cocktail:

BRING IT —Always bring a plastic bag when you walk your dog. So that you’re never without, carry grocery or newspaper bags in your purse, pocket or car.

BAG IT —Use the bag as a glove to pick up pet waste. Scoop up the waste and turn the bag inside out around the waste.

DISPOSE IT! —Properly dispose of pet waste by placing it in a trash can or flushing it, unbagged, down the toilet.  Do not throw it in a storm drain!

Protect our watersheds ... Do your part: Scoop the Poop!

What watershed?   South Plainfield is shaped like a basin. This makes it a gathering point for rainwater that falls in parts of Edison, Metuchen, Piscataway, Scotch Plains, Fanwood and Plainfield.  Storm water flows through many unnamed tributaries and the Cedar Brook into Spring Lake, and into the Bound Brook, which runs westward through the center of town into New Market Pond in Piscataway.  Spring Lake and New Market Pond are important wildlife and recreation spots.  Further downstream, the Bound Brook flows into the Green Brook and then into the Raritan River, which runs into Raritan Bay.  Waste that starts in South Plainfield can end up on the beach in Belmar.  Anything you leave on the street in the Borough, you may meet again at the shore.

Why is dog waste a problem?   Scientific evidence has shown dog waste to be a signifi­cant source of water pollution because it contains a high concentration of nutrients as well as bacteria and disease-causing microorganisms.

• Your Health —Leaving pet waste on the ground may pose a risk to children and adults who can be exposed to various diseases spread by feces.
  
  
• Your Water —Pet waste carries disease-causing organisms such as Giardia and Salmo­nella, which can make water unsafe for drinking or swimming.
  
  
• Your Community —Swimming beaches and boating areas can be shut down due to bacterial contamination, of which pet waste can be the source.

This project was made possible through the South Plainfield Stormwater Program and the South Plainfield Clean Communities Program, with thanks to the Township of South Brunswick for permission to adapt their design.