LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Las Vegas Valley leaders are working to highlight the dirty details of pet waste: what’s left on the ground will get washed away by the rain into Lake Mead and our drinking water.
The Regional Flood Control District has been coming up with creative ways to send the message: “You can’t dodge karma; pick up your crap,” the video ad states.
Spokesperson Michelle French explains how the agency uses humor to drive home realities: waste can clog storm drains and cause street flooding, contaminate our drinking water, and pose hazards for people recreating at Lake Mead.
“Anything that we don’t pick up on the ground it goes into our lake. Unfortunately, pet waste, if it’s left on the ground, left in the backyard… it will go through the gutters and then into the drop inlets, through the storm channels, and then untreated out to Lake Mead,” French said.
A variety of different kinds of waste get stuck in storm drains: pet waste, human waste, trash, oil, gasoline, debris, and far more. According to a chart, more than 11,300 cubic yards of waste was removed from storm drain maintenance across Clark County, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson in the 2023-2024 year alone.
Pet waste can add up over time: according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average dog produces 3/4 pound of waste per day, and releases 274 pounds of waste every year.
When pet waste enters Lake Mead, it can release ammonia; low oxygen levels and ammonia can kill fish in warmer temperatures, according to the flood control district. Waste also carries bacteria and various diseases.
For Stormwater Pollution Awareness Month, the Regional Flood Control District is stepping up to help people who adopt or foster dogs through the Animal Foundation from October 15 through the 31. Those new furp will get bags with cool swag for your pet, such as plastic bag dispensers, water bowls, and more.
“When you’re picking up pet waste, not only are you helping the environment, you’re helping your neighbor, you’re helping your drinking water. We don’t want our kids out in the yards playing in pet waste. We don’t want our dogs rolling around in pet waste,” French said.
District officials remind parents to keep their kids out of flood waters in their neighborhood: the water contains many hazards, such as pet waste and other debris.
To educate youth about flood dangers, Flood Control officials rolled out lessons with a cartoon featuring mascot Drainger Danger.
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