Bacteria

In North Carolina, bacterial contamination of streams, lakes, and rivers is a serious problem. Fishing, boating, and swimming are all more dangerous in bacteria-contaminated waters. Bacteria can cause diseases and dangerous infections in animals and people that come in contact with the water.

Bacteria may come from pet, wildlife, or human waste. When waste is left outside, it is easily transported to nearby waterways by stormwater. Human waste may enter streams and rivers through sewer overflows, leaks in the sanitary sewer system, or failing septic systems. Pet waste is primarily from dogs, although cats may contribute some as well.

Please pick up after your pet, and dispose of pet waste in the toilet or trash! If you have a septic system, follow proper maintenance procedures. If you suspect a sanitary sewer overflow or leak, contact your local sewer authority immediately.

Additional Resources

An excellent resource for stormwater, this page includes information on preventing pet wastes from becoming pollution

This website from the State of North Carolina provides information on a number of pollutant sources in stormwater, including pet waste

This Adobe Reader document contains information for homeowners that want help reducing pollution on their property, including handling pet waste