The Scoop on Poop

We all do it. Dogs, cows, humans - we all produce poop.

And while it is a natural process, if that waste gets into our water, the affects can be detrimental. Several streams in the Etowah Watershed are listed on the Georgia List of Impaired Streams because they have too much fecal coliform bacteria, which comes from animal and human fecal waste. Fecal matter in the waterways can make humans sick.

How does it get into the water? Mostly from leaking septic systems or stormwater overflows, and animal farming areas. When septic systems fail or sewage lines break, the stuff they were designed to catch leaks out, either soaking into the ground water or bubbling up in a lawn and overflowing to a nearby stream and/or stormwater system.

Another way, fecal bacteria gets in the water is through improper handling of cow manure and chicken litter. When the chickens leave the chicken house, all their waste is removed before the next tenants move in. Some farmers sell this litter to be used as fertilizer and others store it on site. If not stored in a covered area, or if overly applied to fields, chicken litter can be washed into streams or rivers when it rains, adding to the fecal coliform problem.

Cow manure finds its way into water either directly or indirectly. Cows that have access to streams sometimes use them as toilets as well as drinking water. In addition, muddy, churned up pastures, also called heavy use areas, become sources of contamination when the mud runs into waterways.

So, what to do?

For farmers, there are a number of programs designed to help with waste storage or pasture repair. The Upper Etowah River Alliance, uses Federal 319 Grant money to help chicken farmers build stackhouses to store chicken litter, or assist cattle farmers with repairs to muddy, heavy use areas in their pastures. Many counties also have grant money available to help. Check with the Cooperative Extension Office or county agriculture agent in your county to see it they have money available to help defray the costs.

So, what can everyday citizens do? Following are some suggestions how you can reduce the amount of fecal waste getting into our beautiful waterways:

• Clean up pet waste in your yard.
• Have your septic tank pumped out every 3-5 years and fix leaks immediately.
• Report any sewage leaks immediately

Together, we can all reduce pollution!