What's the problem?
Like many cities, Arcata has its fair share of pets. There are currently more than 1,000 dogs registered in Arcata. That's a lot of dogs and even more waste! Pet waste that is left on our streets, sidewalks, yards, and parks has the potential to be washed away by rainwater and into Arcata's storm drain system. Stormwater flows directly into our local waterways with no treatment. It may not seem like it, but pet waste is a threat to both water quality and human health.
Far From Fertilizer
A common misconception is that pet waste is a natural fertilizer and can be left to decompose in the environment, but that is not the case. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pet waste is a significant non-point source pollutant, categorized alongside oil, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals.
Water Quality
Did you know that pet waste contains excessive amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus? These nutrients encourage the growth of algae, which reduces oxygen in streams that fish and other aquatic organisms need to survive.
Human Health
Pet waste is also known to carry harmful bacteria and micro-organisms such as Roundworms, E. Coli, and Giardia. These pathogens can make our waterways unswimmable, unfishable, and can cause severe illnesses in humans. Those especially at risk are young children and the elderly.