It may be surprising to learn that an important consideration in supporting the health of the Indian River Lagoon is the proper disposal of pet waste! It turns out pet waste can be a significant source of water pollution when it is not appropriately managed, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
This is because it’s a source of harmful bacteria and nutrients which can affect water bodies when it enters into a drainage system through rain and stormwater runoff.
You may be wondering how it’s different from animal waste from wildlife. This comes down to dietary differences. Since wild animals eat natural 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 persist for longer.
So, you can support lagoon health as well as community cleanliness 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. Not doing so is not just bad form, it’s actually against the law.