Dog Waste & Water Quality

Overview

There are over 1,990 licensed dogs in Oxford. Each of these dogs produces about 3/4 pounds of solid waste and over 7 billion bacteria daily! Rainfall and snowmelt in the Town of Oxford goes untreated into our stormwater system, then directly into local streams, ponds, and rivers. As it flows, stormwater picks up contaminants and pollutants in its path. That's why it's important to make sure that dog waste and its pollutants do not end up in storm drains.

What's So Bad About Dog Waste

• Left in your yard, wooded areas, and parks, dog waste can have many adverse effects on the environment
• Dog waste is full of harmful bacteria and excess nutrients
• Besides being a public nuisance, dog waste can make people sick, especially children who are more likely to come into contact with it while playing
• Dog waste left on lawns can also kill or damage grass and other plants
• If washed into streams or ponds, the waste decays, uses up oxygen in the water, and sometimes releases ammonia. This can kill fish!
• Dog waste contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth in ponds.

How You Can Help

• Bring It - Always bring a plastic bag when you walk your dog.
• Bag It - Use the bag as a glove to pick up the dog waste. Scoop it up and turn the bag inside out around the waste.
• Dispose It - Properly dispose of dog waste by putting it in a trash can
• Remember - Pick up after your pet in your yard and only bring your dog where dogs are allowed.

Never throw dog waste down a storm drain.

Note: Above Information obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Conservation and Recreation.