Pet wastes are among the many common stormwater pollutants that can degrade water quality. When water (i.e. rain, hose water, sprinklers, etc.) contacts pet wastes the resulting stormwater runoff has been found to contain high concentrations of pathogens such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses. When they wash into our recreational waters they can make people sick with sore throats, intestinal problems, rashes, nausea, and eye and ear infections. As pet wastes decompose, they demand a high level of oxygen from water. This demand can kill fish and plant life by reducing the amount oxygen available to them.
Your Regulatory Requirements - County of San Diego, Stormwater Ordinance
What can I do?
Use Best Management Practices (BMPs)!
BMPs are techniques or controls used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants, such as pet wastes, into the stormwater conveyance system also known as the storm drain system.
Helpful Information and Documents:
General Stormwater BMP Brochure
Pet Waste brochure (Updated 2012)
Pet Waste brochure in Spanish (Updated 2012)
CASQA BMP Handbooks
Pollutant Impacts on Water Quality
San Diego County Wastewater Agencies
Tip: Pick-up After Your Pet.
|It’s as easy as
1. Bring a bag
2. Clean it up
3. Dispose of it
(toilet or trash)
If you have questions or would like additional information,
Report a Stormwater Violation On-Line