“Water Quality testing in the Middle Huron Stream Monitoring Program reveals that Pittsfield's main waterbody, Malletts Creek, has high levels of E. coli (animal waste bacteria).”

Pet waste left on sidewalks, roads, driveways, parks and yards mixes with rainfall and snowmelt and travels to storm drains and surface waters causing pollution, contaminating drinking water supplies and increasing risk of disease. Pet waste should be removed daily; when going for walks with your dog, bring along a plastic bag and scooper. How should you dispose of it?

Solutions for disposal of pet waste:

•Flush solid waste down the toilet. Do NOT flush leaves, sticks, debris or cat litter down the toilet!

•Dispose of solid waste and used cat litter in the trash, sealed securely in a plastic bag. While this transfers the problem to a landfill, it does protect the larger watershed area from potential pollution.

•Keep cats indoors or train outdoor cats to use a litter box.

Don't feed the wildlife or waterfowl! Flocks of birds deposit large quantities of waste in and around surface waters, impacting water quality. Geese also love open lawns near water. Consider a natural buffer of wildflowers and shrubs if you live near a creek or other waterbody.

The good news is that the phosphorus levels in our watershed are continuing to drop, according to studies by the University of Michigan and the Huron River Watershed Council. This may, in part, be due to fertilizer ordinances enacted by Pittsfield Charter Township, City of Ann Arbor, and other townships. Thank you for your diligence!

EPA Information about Pet waste and Stormwater runoff

 

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