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Did you Know?

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL): A TMDL is the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can accept and still meet the water quality objectives designed to protect its uses.

The Santa Monica Bay currently has a TMDL for bacteria. The bacterial TMDL is a way to improve water quality within Santa Monica Bay and at the beaches.

Pet Waste Management

Pet waste, including dog and other animal feces, is a large contributor to stormwater pollution. This is due to dog and other animal waste having high concentrations of bacteria and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Dog feces can contain twice as many bacteria as human feces. Nutrients cause algal and bacteria growth which can lead to environmental problems and human health concerns. Bacteria are known to cause many human illnesses.

Taking care of your pet’s waste is an easy way to take care of your neighborhood and watershed thus reducing stormwater pollution.

A dog cleaning up his own mess.


Pet Walking Waste


Pet waste that occurs during a walk should be managed appropriately to reduce the stormwater pollution impact potential.

  • Picking up after your pet is an easy, three-step process
  1. Bring a bag
  2. Pick up pet waste
  3. Dispose of properly in a trash/waste container or the toilet.
  • When walking your pet, do not try to hide the waste in bushes or shrubs.
  • Ensure that your pet does not do its ‘business’ in any water bodies.


For more information:

In-Yard Waste


Pet waste located in your yard should be managed appropriately to reduce the stormwater pollution impact potential.


  • Routinely pick up waste from your yard and dispose of properly by using a sealed plastic bag and a trash/waste container or toilet.
  • Never wash pet waste onto the sidewalk or into the street or storm drains.