DOG WASTE AND SURFACE WATER QUALITY

DOG WASTE AND SURFACE WATER QUALITY
Did You Know?
Stratham is one of several communities in NH required to take action to reduce stormwater 
pollution. This effort is enforced by the US EPA under Stratham’s Municipal Separate Sewer 
and Stormwater System (MS4) Permit.

The impairments include excess nitrogen and harmful bacteria (E. coli) - all components of 
dog waste which can also contain Salmonella, Giardia, Roundworms and Hookworms.
A day’s waste from 1 large dog can contain 7.8 billion fecal coliform bacteria! This bacteria 
can cause serious health problems in humans. If these pathogens enter the watershed, the 
water will be dangerous for recreational activities.

Rainfall and snowmelt from Stratham flows untreated into our stormwater system, then 
directly into surface waters. That’s why it’s important to make sure that dog waste does not 
end up in stormwater. When dog waste is washed into surface waters, the waste decays, 
uses up oxygen in the water, and sometimes releases ammonia. This can kill fish and other 
wildlife!

Dog waste also contains nutrients that encourage weed and algae growth. Too much of these 
nutrients turn water cloudy and green . . . imagine this in your backyard pond or stream!


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How to Dispose of your Pet’s Waste Properly:

  • Please remember to always carry a plastic or paper bag while you are out with your furry 
  • friend. Clean up their waste using the bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.
  • Please do not recycle pet waste. It contaminates the rest of the Recycling, which will then 
  • need to be discarded as garbage.
  • Please do not litter by throwing your bags into the woods or leave them on the ground. 
  • Bagged waste can also pollute waterbodies.
  • Help our watershed stay free of contaminants, do your duty and clean up after your pet!
Also note that Stratham’s Ordinance for the Regulation of Dogs requires that dog waste be 
expeditiously removed in public places or upon property of any other person. Failure to 
comply is subject to a $25.00 fine for the first offense and $50 for a second offense within 12 
months of the first offense.
Questions on MS4? 
Contact the Planning Office at Planning@StrathamNH.gov or 603-772-7391 ext. 184