The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has reminded dog owners taking their pet “walkies” that if they don’t pick up their dogs’ droppings, they could wind up watching it floating in the local creek, river or even Port Phillip Bay.
Chief Environment Scientist at EPA, Andrea Hinwood said the Authority monitored water quality at waterways around the State and recent testing found dog droppings one of the most common sources of beach water contamination in and around Port Phillip Bay
“We test around the bay and a few of the routine samples for the different sources of contamination, and found signs of animal droppings from pets,” Dr Hinwood said.
“That testing certainly confirmed what anyone would think; that whatever washes off the streets in a rain storm will wash down the storm drains and waterways and eventually wind up in the bay,” she said.
“That includes what some dogs and their owners have left behind.”
Dr Hinwood said exposure to animal droppings could cause a variety of complaints, including stomach upsets and skin irritation.
“And of course, every dog owner who cleans up after their four-legged friend is doing their bit to keep the bay in good shape,” she said.
She said other common contaminants in beach water included litter; plastics; cigarette butts; and detergents.
