How does pet waste left on the grass affect storm water?
Pet waste can be picked up by snow melt or rain as it travels into the street gutter and down the storm drain, carrying with it bacteria and other harmful materials into our creeks and streams. The dog population is the Casper area is estimated to be 11, 000 animals, creating nearly 2.5 tons of solid waste every day. Even though you can’t see it, the fecal coliform contained in pet waste can have a cumulative affect with hundreds if not thousands of people sending their pet waste into the storm water. Storm water is not treated, so this material flows directly into our creeks and river, where our children play, swim, and fish. The North Platte River is the source of our drinking water. Disposing of pet waste properly, is key to keeping our creeks and river safe.
