|
 Clean
beaches and healthy creeks, rivers, bays, and ocean are important
to Orange County. However, many common activities can lead to water
pollution if you’re
not careful.
Pet waste and pet care products can be washed
into the storm
drains that flow to the ocean. Unlike water in sanitary sewers (from
sinks and toilets), water in storm drains is not treated before
entering our waterways.
You would never put pet waste or pet care
products into the ocean, so don’t let them enter the storm drains.
Follow these easy tips to help prevent water
pollution.
For more information, please call the Orange
County Stormwater Program at (714) 567-6363 or visit the Stormwater page.
To report a spill, call the Orange County
24-Hour Water Pollution Problem Reporting Hotline at (714) 567-6363.
The tips contained in this brochure provide
useful information to help prevent water pollution while caring
for your pet. If you have other suggestions, please contact your
city’s stormwater
representatives or call the Orange
County Stormwater Program.
| For
emergencies dial 911. |
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Washing Your Pets
- If possible, bathe your pets indoors using
less-toxic shampoos or have your pet professionally groomed.
Follow instructions on the products and clean up spills.
- If you must bathe
your pet outside, wash it on your lawn or another absorbent/permeable
surface to keep the washwater from running into the street
or storm drain.
- Even biodegradable soaps and shampoos can be
harmful to marine life and the environment.
Flea Control
- Consider using oral or topical flea control products.
- If you use
flea control products such as shampoos, sprays or collars,
make sure to dispose of any unused products at a Household Hazardous
Waste Collection Center.
Why You Should Pick Up After Your Pet
It’s the law! Every city has an ordinance
requiring you to pick up after your pet. Besides being a nuisance,
pet waste can lead
to water pollution, even if you live inland. During rainfall, pet
waste left outdoors can wash into storm drains. This waste flows
directly into our waterways and the ocean where it can harm human
health, marine life and the environment.
As it decomposes, pet
waste demands a high level of oxygen from water. This decomposition
can contribute to killing marine life by reducing the amount
of dissolved oxygen available to them.
Have fun with your pets,
but please be a responsible pet owner by taking care of them
and the environment.
- Take a bag with you on walks to pick up after
your pet.
- Dispose of the waste in the trash or in a
toilet.
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