What is stormwater?

Stormwater is water that originates from precipitation like rainfall. Hence the name, STORMWATER. Stormwater can infiltrate into the soil and become ground water, as well as drain into storm drains that eventually lead to bodies of water like our lakes, rivers, and streams (where we get drinking water from). That being said, it is super important that we learn how to keep our waterways clean and help decrease the amount of pollutants that get washed into our water.

Become a source water protector today!

There is no poop Fairy!

Here in Anderson County, we like to keep our waterways clean! We love our rivers, lakes and streams! Pet waste is a huge contributing factor to pollution in water ways! In partnership with Greenville Soil and Water, we are promoting the "There Is No Poop Fairy" movement in Anderson County!

Here's what Greenville Soil and Water has to say about poop:

The Problem with Poop
We all know that pet waste left unattended is just plain gross. But did you know that unscooped poop causes huge problems for waterways like rivers, lakes, and streams? The EPA classifies dog waste as non-point source pollution, along with herbicides and insecticides, oil, grease, and toxic chemicals. Not only is pet waste unsightly and smelly, but it contains an abundance of bacteria, parasites, worms, and more that wash into local waterways and pollute our natural resources. Pet waste can also make people, pets, and wildlife very sick by acting as a vector for disease transmission. It even attracts unwanted attention from pests.

E. coli and Other Dangers
One of the biggest risks associated with pet waste is E. coli bacteria. Dog poop can contain 23 million E. coli bacteria per gram of waste, and the average pile contains nearly 3 billion E. coli bacteria! Pet waste also hosts giardia, salmonella, parvo, worms, viruses, parasites, and more. These can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and other unpleasant symptoms. Even after solids are washed away, these unwanted guests can stick around on the ground for years!

Waste in the Water
If left unattended, pet waste and the associated contaminants are picked up by stormwater when it rains. Stormwater (and the pollutants it picks up along the way) is washed down storm drains, where it travels untreated and unfiltered into Greenville’s waterways. In areas that lack storm drains, stormwater flows directly to nearby waterways.

These harmful entities aren’t the only trouble pet waste brings to waterways. Pet waste that decomposes in water is a quadruple threat. Decomposing waste releases excess nutrients into the water, which cause algal blooms (eutrophication). Algae blooms can be toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife as well as make recreation, such as boating, swimming, or fishing, dangerous for humans. Algae can also be harmful because it feeds on and depletes oxygen in the water, meaning there is less oxygen available for the aquatic species that depend on it. Oxygen is also consumed during the decomposition of pet waste, thus removing even more oxygen from the water. Decomposing waste also releases ammonia, which damages the health of the aquatic system.

Interested in getting a Poop Fairy sign for your personal yard? Contact Anderson County Soil and Water District or visit Greenville County Soil and Water's website!

Greenville Soil and Water Website

DO YOU HELP PICK UP THAT POO?

What to do About Doggy Doo? (Greenville Soil and Water Resources)

Grab it, bag it, trash it! Carry bags with you when you walk your dog or while you’re on poop patrol in your yard. Seal the waste in a bag, and throw it in the trash.
Don’t like getting up close and personal? Use a pooper scooper for a more hands-off approach.
Have a problem in your neighborhood or a public space? Request a Poop Fairy Yard Sign through Anderson Soil and Water for your home or community.
If you have issues with pet waste in an apartment community or a Homeowners Association, companies like PooPrints offers pet waste DNA testing. All animals in the community are tested and added to a registry. When pet waste is not picked up, the owner can be held responsible.
Commercial pet waste removal services are available. That’s right – for a small fee, someone will come to your house and scoop the poop for you!
Pet waste digesters and composters are available, so you can turn your pup’s “trash” into “treasure!” Note: Pet waste digesters and composters are specially designed for pet waste. Never put pet waste in a regular compost pile. Click here for a guide to pet waste composting.

Info from Anderson County Stormwater Department:

Things you can do to protect the quality of stormwater:

Don’t dump anything down storm drains.
Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly, especially on driveways, sidewalks, and roads.
Avoid pesticides or make earth-friendly homemade pesticides if possible.
Put litter in its place.
Recycle used motor oil.
Wash your car at a car wash or on your lawn.
Have a septic tank inspection every 3-5 years.
Vegetate bare spots/eroded areas in your yard.
Compost your yard waste.
Pick up after your pet.
Keep litter debris, leaves, and pet waste out of the street gutters and ditches.
Keep your yard equipment and automobiles well tuned so they don’t leak oil and chemicals into the storm drains.
Volunteer with local groups to clean and maintain your environment.

What you can do at work

Do not dispose of cooking fats, oils, or grease in the storm drain near your building. It could clog the storm drain and result in flooding.
Do not flush wash waters or wastewaters into the storm drain.
Vehicle maintenance companies, asphalt companies, and other industrial stormwater dischargers may need to apply for a permit.