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6/9/2015 Doody calls: Pet poop pollution pullulating The Galveston County Daily News: News Doody calls: Pet poop pollution pullulating By JASMINE GARVEY | Posted: Tuesday, June 2, 2015 12:11 am The pet population is continuously growing and, with it, a certain problem: how to get rid of all that waste. An estimated 900,000 dogs are living in the HoustonGalveston region, according to the Houston Galveston Area Council, and are collectively depositing 312 tons (or 52 dumptruck loads) of poop per day. Left uncollected, the waste flows, along with runoff from rain, directly into storm drains connected to bayous and creeks where it decomposes. Other pollutants are contributing to the bacteria being found, but waste is still among the top. “The amount varies depending on each watershed but a high percentage comes from pet waste,” said Todd Running, water resources program manager for the HoustonGalveston Area Council. “The last modeling that was done of Cedar Bayou’s Watershed was at 44 percent.” There could be other factors contributing to those high bacteria numbers, such as aging sewer pipes and septic systems. As these systems age, the potential for leaks and creaks increases. Within this waste, tiny organisms are bringing a number of bacteria and viruses harmful to people. Campylobacter, a bacteria, and the parasite cryptosporidium, are two diseases that can come from pet poo. Both cause diarrhea and abdominal upset. This can be dangerous to the young, old, and those who have weakened immune systems. The bacteria that are being tested for are E.coli in freshwater and Enterococci in tidal water. If these are present then there is a high chance that other bacteria will be present as well — quickly indicating contamination of the water. Running believes this is a concern but manageable if people can properly pick up after their pets. “The biggest thing here is education. People need to realize this is a big contribution to the bacteria,” said Running. This can mean carrying an extra dog bag on walks or simply encouraging others to pick up after their pets. Since 2008, the Bacteria Implementation Group (BIG), a 31member committee working in the Houston area, has been working on reducing waterways with high levels of bacteria. From 2008 to 2014, they were able to reduce levels in the White Oak Bayou by 60 percent. Some cities have gone as far as enacting pet waste ordinances, fining pet owners for improper waste http://www.galvnews.com/news/article_d268208e08e511e5ae039fc2e70ab899.html?mode=print 1/2 6/9/2015 Doody calls: Pet poop pollution pullulating The Galveston County Daily News: News disposal. Fines have gone up to $200 in some cases. “The good thing is that this is one thing that everyone can do,” said Running. “And it helps cue them in to the overall water quality.” http://www.galvnews.com/news/article_d268208e08e511e5ae039fc2e70ab899.html?mode=print 2/2