HomeMy WebLinkAboutGreen Paw-Pet waste ediquetteA watershed is an area of land that drains runoff from storms to a common point, such as a pond or stream. Runoff from rain storms and melting snow flows from …‐rooftops‐over streets, sidewalks and parking lots‐across bare soil‐through lawns and storm drainsAs it flows, runoff collects and transports soil, pet waste, salt, fertilizer, pesticides and other contaminants. Contaminants degrade the water quality and can affect our health.Cleaning up afteryour pet is as easy as 1 –2 ‐3:1. Bring a bag. 2. Clean it up.3. Dispose of waste.For more information contact:Town of LexingtonRecreation Department1625 Massachusetts AvenueLexington, MA 02420Tel: 781‐862‐0500 x262Town of LexingtonTown of LexingtonWhat is a Watershed?What is a Watershed?Clean Water. Healthy Life. Clean Water. Healthy Life. By acknowledging your “Pet Owner’s Pledge of Environmental Responsibility”the “Lexington Green Paw “ badge willbe issued to you for your properly vaccinated and licensed dogs:www.lexingtonma.govA collaboration of the followingTown Departments: Recreation, Conservation, Public Works and Town Clerk
•Pet waste does not go away by fertilizing the grass. Bacteria are washed down the drains and into ditches.•Waste from one large dog can contain 7.8 billion fecal coliform bacteria. •Pets, children playing outside, and adults gardening are most at risk for infection from some of the bacteria and parasites found in pet waste.•Pet waste carries diseases and bacteria which are unsafe for humans. Some of the diseases that can spread from pet waste include:‐Salmonellosis: Most common bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans. Symptoms include headache, fever, muscle ache, vomiting, and diarrhea.‐Campylobacteriosis: Bacterial infection. Symptoms include diarrhea in humans.‐Toxacarisis: Roundworms transmitted from animals to humans. Symptoms include fever, rash, vision loss, and cough.•Pet waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth, making the water murky and unattractive for swimming and fishing. Also, the algae decay depletes dissolved oxygen which can kill fish and other aquatic life.In the Yard•Pick up waste from your yard. It is notfertilizer.•Flush it down the toilet so it can be treated in the treatment plant. •Alternatively, seal securely in a bag and place bag in the trash.•You may bury un‐bagged pet waste in the yard at least 6 inches in the ground, away from vegetable gardens and waterways.•Provide covered kitty litters for outdoor cats. Don’t flush used kitty litter down the toilet, as it can clog the sewer system.When Walking•Bring a plastic bag with you when you walk your dog. •Use a bag to pick up the dog waste. Using the bag like a glove, you can pick up the waste, turn the bag inside out around the waste, and seal or tie the bag. You can also bring a scooper or shovel.•Place the bag in the trash.Do NOTplace in storm drains.•Pay attention to signs.Proper Waste DisposalProper Waste DisposalFacts about Pet WasteFacts about Pet WasteProper Waste DisposalProper Waste Disposal