The Town has been ramping up public outreach about how individuals can support lagoon health.
This is part of a program spearheaded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which created a Basin Management Action Plan for the restoration of the Central Indian River Lagoon. Bet you didn't expect pet waste to be part of the equation!
It turns out pet waste can be a source of water pollution when it is routinely not properly disposed of, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This is because it fosters harmful bacteria and nutrients, which can affect water quality when it enters a drainage system through rain and stormwater runoff.
How is it different from animal waste from wildlife? This comes down to dietary differences. Since wild animals eat foods present in the ecosystem in which they live, their waste helps recycle nutrients, supporting plant and wildlife health.
Commercial pet food, on the other hand, often contains added nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause harmful algal blooms when they reach water bodies. Pet waste also breaks down more slowly due to its different composition, which means bad bacteria can proliferate and persist for longer.
What this means is that you support Lagoon health by keeping your cats indoors (for their own safety as well as that of native wildlife) with access to a litter box and by always picking up after your dogs - even in your own yard. We can't guarantee that this knowledge makes the clean-up job more pleasant, however!
By the way, if you’re eager to exercise your dog, contact Town Hall about obtaining a dog license to allow your pooch to enjoy the beach in Orchid off-leash. New dog tags are available now for the fiscal year starting October 1, 2025. Just remember to bring along those poop baggies!