Did you know that dogs and cats in the Charleston area can produce over 10,000 pounds of waste every day?

Pet waste can wash into storm drains and go directly into waterways without being treated. Pet waste can also wash directly into marshes and creeks.

Here are a few tips you can use to keep your pet from polluting our water:

• Scoop the poop. Take a plastic bag with you on your walk.
• Wrap pet waste in a plastic bag and put it into the trash.
• Flush pet waste down the toilet (if you are on public sewer). Do NOT flush kitty litter.
• Bury pet waste in your yard. Bury it six inches deep, away from waterways and gardens.
• Don't put pet waste in the compost pile.

In 2006, DHEC awarded the City of Charleston a grant to install 15 additional pet waste bag dispensers in City parks.