Splash Down

When your dog comes to earth, do you care where he lands? What goes on in our parks, open space and neighborhoods has a lot to do with the quality of our pretreated water.

Go On, Get Dirty

A little dirt in your hands will help you understand why there's a problem. If there's animal waste in that soil, it's likely to contain:

• Salmonella
• Cryptosporidia
• Roundworms
• Giardia
• Campylobacteria

Ugly words for things that can cause problems in humans ranging from diarrhea to death.

It's Not Fit For A Dog

It's natural, but that doesn't mean it's clean. Genetic testing on stormwater samples has found that 95% of fecal coliform in the samples comes from animals other than humans. A 1993 study of the Seattle watershed concluded that 20% of bacteria in the water sampled came from dogs (US EPA).

Would you be comfortable drinking this?

E.coli Happens

It's against the law to leave dog waste where it lands (Section 25-64, Lafayette Municipal Code). Fines range from:

• $140 - $165 for the first offense
• $240  for the second offense with a mandatory court appearance
• $340 - $1000 for the third offense with a mandatory court appearance

Nobody wants to see, smell or step in dog waste. Parks and open space aren't just for dogs. Neither is our water.

Mind Your Manners

• Always carry a bag.
• Pick up after your pet (Section 25-64, Lafayette Municipal Code).
• Dispose of dog waste in appropriate receptacles, not along the trail (Section 25-64).
• Keep your pet on leash unless you are in a designated off-leash area (Section 25-61).

Make the Pledge

Pledge to do your doody by your pet.

Take the Survey

Take the Pet Waste Survey. Let us know what you think would be the most effective deterrents.