Bridgewater: Thinking Green
A Helpful Guide for Green Initiatives

Is your dog green?

Storm drains can be found on streets throughout Bridgewater Township. They collect rain water and prevent flooding when it rains. These drains empty directly into the nearest water body, usually a stream or river, without treatment of the water. This means that dog waste and other pollutants left on a lawn, on the street, or placed in storm drains, will get washed into our rivers and watersheds when rain falls. Our rivers and streams are areas of recreational swimming, boating and fishing and contribute to our drinking water sources.

Let’s remove dog waste from the water pollution equation!

Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a courtesy; it’s the healthy and environmentally sound thing to do, AND it’s the law!

(Chapter 78-31) Bridgewater Township Code Chapter 78-31 requires all persons to immediately remove and appro­priately dispose of animal feces from all public and private property. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter may be liable to penalties of up to $500 in fines or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days, or both, for each offense.

Just one dog? A day’s waste from one large dog can contain7.8 million fecal coliform bacteria.

Here’s how to remove dog waste from the water pollution equation:

BRING IT— Always bring a plastic bag when you walk your dog. So that you’re never without, carry grocery or newspaper bags in your purse, pocket or car.

BAG IT—Use the bag as a glove to pick up pet waste. Scoop up the waste and turn the bag inside out around the waste.

DISPOSE IT! — Properly dispose of pet waste by placing it in a trash can or flushing it, unbagged, down the toilet.

Protect our watersheds ... Do your part: Scoop the Poop!

What’s a watershed? Bridgewater resides within the Raritan River Basin, the largest in NJ, between three watershed areas- the South Branch, the Spruce Run and the Neshanic Water­shed. This water system contributes to the water supply of over two million people who reside in the Raritan River basin. Most surface water and water from the storm sewers eventually make their way into the basin. Any pollution is carried with the flow into neighboring communities that depend on the waters of the Raritan River basin as a source of their potable water.

Why is dog waste a problem? Scientific evidence has shown dog waste to be a signifi­cant source of water pollution because it contains a high concentration of nutrients as well as bacteria and disease-causing microorganisms.

• Your Health— Leaving pet waste on the ground may pose a risk to children and adults who can be exposed to various diseases spread by feces.

• Your Water—Pet waste carries disease causing organisms such as giardia and salmo­nella, which can make water unsafe for drinking or swimming.

• Your Community—Swimming beaches and boating areas can be shut down due to bacterial contamination, of which pet waste can be the source.

This project was made possible through the Bridgewater Township Stormwater Program and the NJ Clean Community Program.