WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS
National Water Quality Month: Pet Waste and Pet-Care Products Tips for Cleaner Waterways
Welcome to our new Stormwater Pollution Prevention Monthly Bulletin! This month’s water quality improvement topic is Pet Waste and Pet Care Pollution Prevention Tips, followed by select County-sponsored Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction Events held during the month of August 2026.
August is National Water Quality Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of water quality and its impact on human and aquatic life. A huge threat to water quality is pollution stemming primarily from pet waste, but also from pet care products. Bacteria and nutrients from pet waste, and chemicals from pet-grooming products (shampoos and flea control products), can easily be carried into waterways by rain or runoff without being treated. If not properly managed, these pet pollutants can not only degrade our water quality, but can harm marine life, disrupt aquatic ecosystems, and pose a health risk to surfers and swimmers.
Fortunately, as pet owners, small actions on your part can make a big difference in preventing pet waste and pet-grooming pollutants from polluting our waterways and minimizing their detrimental effect on water quality!
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Pet waste contains harmful bacteria, pathogens, parasites, as well as nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorous) which can promote algae growth and oxygen depletion. The single most important thing you can do to prevent pet waste from polluting our waters is to pick it up (at least weekly) and dispose of it properly. Whether at home, or on walks or in dog parks, use a plastic bag to collect waste, tie it shut, and throw it in a closed trash bin. For larger rural properties, target your clean-up areas and efforts close to water sources, along slopes, ravines, and drainage ditches, and in areas susceptible to water runoff from rain or irrigation. Learn more about pet waste cleanup on larger or rural properties.
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Pet shampoos and flea control products may contain chemicals which can cause ecological problems if allowed to enter our storm drain system. When possible, bathe your pets indoors or have them professionally groomed. Both of these methods result in the wash-water going down the sewer drain where it will be treated before it reaches the ocean. If you need to bathe your pets outdoors, look for biodegradable, natural, or chemical-free alternatives. However, even biodegradable soaps should not be washed into storm drains. Minimize water use and polluted runoff when bathing your pets outdoors by washing them on a landscaped area or other permeable surface where wash water can be absorbed into the soil.
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Involve our youth in San Diego County’s Poo Points Program where they act as primary messengers in educating friends and family about the impact of pet waste on the water quality of local creeks, lakes, and the ocean. Watch an overview of the program here.
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Get on board with local pet waste reduction campaigns like Project Clean Water’s Keep San Diego Doody Free, and the Port of San Diego’s Scoop the Poop to further support your community in its pet waste pollution prevention efforts!
Join us in making National Water Quality Month a year-long celebration! Visit the County’s Watershed Protection Program website to see what you can do throughout the year to protect our local water sources.
County-Sponsored Stormwater Pollution Prevention Events – August 2026
Play a role in protecting the County’s waterways from stormwater pollution by attending these pollution-prevention and waste reduction events being offered in August.
Unincorporated Residents of San Diego Recycling and Waste Reduction Events – Learn how to reduce waste by fixing things instead of throwing items away at the following San Diego Fix-It Clinics in August. Bring broken or non-working items for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. Workspace, specialty tools, and guidance to help you take apart and troubleshoot your item will be provided. Clinics hosted by SD Fixit Clinic with the help of many other zero waste partners.
I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) – The following Watershed Warrior Event will be offered in August.
County Waterscape Rebate Program – Rainwater Harvesting Workshop(s) – August 29, 10am – The Waterscape Rebate Program will be hosting rainwater harvesting workshops throughout 2026. Learn how to capture rainwater and the ways it can lower your water bill. Residents of unincorporated San Diego County qualify for a FREE rain barrel. Site location: Ramona Library, 1275 Main Street, Ramona, 92065. Learn more or register.
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