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Since 1980, pathogens (bacteria and viruses) from human and animal waste have closed more than 30,000 acres of commercial shellfish beds in Puget Sound.  As rain water runs off of lawns, sidewalks, and other surfaces, it can carry pet waste and other pollutants with it.  This water eventually ends up in the storm drain, which [...]

One survey of North Carolina dog owners indicated that only 35 percent of urban owners pick up after their pets, and only 24 percent of suburban owners do!  Believe it or not, pets can become a water quality problem when waste is not picked up.  Rain water can carry pet waste out of your yard [...]

One survey of Chesapeake Bay residents indicated that about 40 percent of homes have a dog.  Of those pet-owners who walked their dog in a public area, only 60 percent picked up after their pet!  Pet waste contains bacteria and nutrients, and is a serious water pollution problem – when it rains, waste is carried [...]

Most water pollution in South Carolina comes from rain water runoff – rain water that carries pollutants from driveways, lawns, and roads into stormdrains and ditches that lead directly to local creeks, rivers, and the ocean.  Pet waste can be a major water pollution problem when it rains!  Pet waste contains bacteria and nutrients that [...]

It is estimated that there are over 600,000 dogs living in the Indianapolis viewing area!  When it rains, any pet waste left outdoors is washed away into storm drains, and sent directly to local rivers and streams untreated. Bacteria and nutrients from pet waste can contaminate water, making fish and shellfish sick, and closing favorite [...]

It is estimated that there are over 190,000 dogs living in the South Bend viewing area!  When it rains, any pet waste left outdoors is washed away into storm drains, and sent directly to local rivers and streams untreated. Bacteria and nutrients from pet waste can contaminate water, making fish and shellfish sick, and closing [...]

It is estimated that there are more than half a million dogs in the Nashville viewing area, and believe it or not, Rover can be a significant water pollution problem!  Pet waste contains bacteria, and when it rains, any pet waste left outdoors is washed away into the storm drain or nearest water body.  Too [...]

It is estimated that there are more than 90,000 dogs in the Erie viewing area!  Please remember that pet waste left on streets, sidewalks, and lawns can be washed into storm drains when it rains, ending up in local streams, rivers, and beaches.  Pet waste is a source of bacteria and nutrients that can degrade [...]

It is estimated that there are more than 500,000 dogs in the state of New Jersey!  Believe it or not, Rover can become a water pollution problem when pet waste is not picked up – during the next rain, any waste left outdoors can be washed into storm drains and local streams and rivers.  Pet [...]

It is estimated that there are more than 380,000 dogs living in the Memphis viewing area!  Pets can be a significant water pollution problem when pet waste is left on streets, sidewalks, and in yards.  Pet waste contains bacteria and nutrients, and when it rains, any waste left outdoors is washed away into storm drains, [...]

It is estimated that there are more than 150,000 dogs in the Altoona-Johnstown-State College viewing area!  Please remember that pet waste left on streets, sidewalks, and lawns can be washed into storm drains when it rains, ending up in local streams, rivers, and beaches.  Pet waste is a source of bacteria and nutrients that can [...]

It is estimated that there are almost a million pet dogs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area!  Believe it or not, Rover can be a significant water pollution problem.  Pet waste contains bacteria, and when it rains, pet waste left outdoors is washed away into the storm drain, which leads directly to local creeks, streams, and [...]

It is estimated that the Boston TV viewing area is home to more than a million dogs!  Please remember that pet waste left on streets, sidewalks, and lawns can be washed into storm drains, ending up in local streams, rivers, and beaches.  Pet waste is a source of bacteria and nutrients that can degrade water [...]

Did you know that about 95 percent of Lake Erie’s inflow comes from the Detroit River?  When it rains or snows, pollutants from yards, streets and driveways are washed into storm drains, which lead to the Detroit River and eventually Lake Erie. Viewer Tip: An easy way to protect the Detroit River and Lake Erie [...]

Believe it or not, your pet can be a water pollution problem!  As rain water or snowmelt runs over your yard and down the street, it picks up pollutants – including pet waste – along the way.  When these pollutants end up in the storm drain, they are transported to local rivers, streams, and the [...]

Eutrophication – excess growth of algae – is a common problem in Colorado’s reservoirs.  While algae growth is a natural process, extra nutrients that enter our waters from polluted rain water runoff can speed up the process.  Too much algae in our waters can affect swimming and recreation areas, cause problems with drinking water supplies, [...]

Over 5,000 miles of storm drains in the Santa Monica Bay watershed transport about 30 billion gallons of storm water to the Bay each year!   When it rains, any pet waste left outdoors is washed away into storm drains, and sent directly to local waters untreated. Bacteria and nutrients from pet waste can contaminate water, [...]

The marshes and mangroves surrounding many of Florida’s estuaries (where fresh water and salt water mix), provide important habitat for birds and wildlife.  When pet waste is washed into an estuary with rain water, it can add extra nutrients and bacteria to the water, causing excess algae growth and making animals sick.  Viewer Tip: Protect [...]

Did you know that more than 98 percent of Atlanta’s water supply comes from surface waters – rivers, streams, and lakes?  When it rains, pollutants from yards, sidewalks, streets, parks, and other areas are washed away into storm drains.  Remember, storm drains are direct pathways to local surface waters. Viewer Tip: Believe it or not, [...]

Studies by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission have shown that pet waste is one of the main sources of bacteria in Boston’s surface waters.  When it rains, pet waste can disolve in rain water runoff and enter storm drains, where it travels directly to local rivers, streams, and the Harbor.  Too much bacteria in [...]