Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes, over 6,000 rivers and streams, 81 major surface water watersheds, and 8 major river basins. How we use and misuse the land directly affects the quality of water of those downstream of us. Water is not polluted from the end of the pipe, but from streets, parking lots, parks, and our own backyards. Pet waste is a leading source of nutrient and bacteria pollution in urban streams and waterways. With over half of all Minnesota residents owning a pet, misuse and improper disposal of their waste not only affects you and your neighbor, but those around us and downstream of us.

Rain, snowmelt, and stormwater runoff can pick up pet waste that is not properly disposed of and deposit it directly to a storm sewer system and into nearby lakes, rivers, and streams. This can negatively affect our over 10,000 lakes, our over 6,000 rivers and streams, our 81 major surface water watersheds, and our 8 major river basins by polluting the water, promoting weed and algae growth, damage the health of the local flora and fauna, and harm the health of those around us. That means less swimming, less fishing, less boating, and less enjoyment of our precious waters.

So when nature calls, remind yourself to:

-          Pick up the poop, every time, everywhere.

-          Scoop the Poop.

-          Bag it and toss it.

-          Check my local pet waste ordinance.

-          Protect myself, my neighbor, and those downstream of us.