Scoop the Poop

We love our pets, but their poop can contaminate rivers and creeks. When you walk your dog at the park, on trails or in your neighborhood, be sure to pick up after them. Street drainage inlets, natural drainage channels and creeks all flow toward the San Antonio River.

Prevent Contamination

Use the following tips when walking or leaving your pet outdoors to help prevent bacteria from contaminating rivers and creeks:

• Always scoop up your dog's poop. Use biodegradable pet waste bags or scooper tools available at most supply and retail stores. Never pick up poop with your bare hands. Wash or sanitize your hands after disposal.
• Bag pet waste and place it in the nearest garbage can. Never leave a tied bag on the ground.
• Scoop pet poop from your lawn regularly, at least once or more times per week. If rain is forecast, scoop beforehand to keep waste from being carried into storm drains.
• Never leave pet poop on your driveway or lawn where it can wash into the street or alley.

Pooper Scooper Law

Picking up after your pet is the right thing to do, it's easy and it's the law:

• Sec. 5-19. - Leash and pooper scooper required
• Sec. 5-21. - Unlawful acts; criminal penalties; civil remedies

Pet Waste & Impacts

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a single gram of dog waste contains up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), which can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, intestinal problems, kidney disorders and disease in the brain.

Other harmful organisms in pet waste include:

• Parasites such as hookworms, ringworms, tapeworms and Salmonella
• Roundworm larvae, which can infect the lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, eyes or brain if people come in contact with contaminated feces
• Campylobacter bacteria, which cause campylobacteriosis - an intestinal infection that can result in severe stomach illness and complications, especially in people with compromised immune systems

Impacts on Lawns & Gardens

Dog waste can harm lawns and grassy areas when left on the ground. The waste carries bacteria that can spread into the soil and contaminate it for years, making it unsafe for people, especially children and pets.

• Bacteria from nearby pet waste can also contaminate vegetables and fruit growing in a home garden.
• Pet waste should not be added to lawn compost, since compost piles do not generate enough heat to kill harmful bacteria.
• Untreated pet waste can remain toxic to lawns.

Impacts on Rivers & Creeks

When pet waste is left on the ground during a rainstorm, storm water carries the waste, its host bacteria and parasites into storm drains and waterways.

• These bacteria can kill fish and harm aquatic animals.
• The pollution makes rivers and creeks unsafe for swimming, fishing and drinking.