2325 TAYLOR DR 2022-05-23 - Laserfiche WebLink

U Pet Waste Management Pet waste that washes into lakes, streams or Puget Sound begins to decay,using up oxygen and releasing ammonia. Low oxygen levels and ammonia combined with warm water can kill fish. Pet waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth in waters we use for swimming, boating and fishing. Most importantly, in many urban areas, pet waste is the largest source of bacterial loading to streams. It can carry diseases that could make water unsafe for contact and lead to beach closures or affect shellfish harvest. These include: • Campylobacteriosis—bacterial infection • Salmonellosis—bacterial infection • Toxocariasis—roundworm infection • Toxoplasmosis—protozoan parasite infection • Giardiasis—protozoan parasite infection • Fecal Coliform—bacteria in feces, indicates contamination • E. coli—bacteria in feces, may cause disease. Pet waste is the largest source of bacterial loading in streams. It can carry diseases that could make water unsafe for contact and lead to beach closures or affect shellfish harvest. Cleaning up after your pet can be as simple as taking a plastic bag or pooper scooper along on your next walk. Then choose one of the following: Suggested BMPs • Bag it—Put waste in a securely closed bag and deposit it in the trash. Do not put it in your yard waste container because pet waste may carry diseases, and yard waste treatment may not kill disease organisms. • Bury it—Bury waste at least 1 foot deep and cover with soil in your yard or garden (not in food-growing areas). • Flush it—Only flush pet wastes if your home is served by a sanitary sewer which goes to a sewage treatment plant. Water from your toilet goes through a treatment process that removes pollutants before it is discharged into the environment. 20