Citizens and Canines for Clean Water
A recent study commissioned by Clean Water Services linked 16 to 20 percent of
the fecal bacteria in Tigard's creeks and rivers to canine DNA. In nature, this
statistic should measure zero percent to trace amounts. The study showed the
Tualatin Basin's inability to naturally support the waste generated by our
community's dog population.
Hearing the results of the study, Tigard partnered with Clean Water Services and
Tualatin Basin Partners for Clean Water to promote the Canines for Clean Water
Campaign to educate owners about the effects of dog waste on waterways.
The campaign asks citizens to pledge to pick up all dog waste and deposit it in
the trash or flush it down the toilet where it can be treated with other raw
sewage.
There are approximately 9,200 canines who call Tigard home. Tigard provides dog
waste bags and garbage cans in ten of the thirteen parks in Tigard, and along
major trails in Tigard's greenspaces.
We rely on the Tualatin Basin for clean drinking water, recreation and healthy
natural spaces. Local wildlife, birds and plants depend on citizens to keep
water clean. Washington County's Wastewater Agency, Clean Water Services,
commissioned the study to investigate the source of the Tualatin River Watershed's
elevated fecal bacteria levels.
There were no statistically significant levels of feline feces in the waterways.
Hearing the results of the study, Tigard partnered with Clean Water Services and
Tualatin Basin Partners for Clean Water to promote the Canines for Clean Water
Campaign to educate owners about the effects of dog waste on waterways.
The campaign asks citizens to pledge to pick up all dog waste and deposit it in
the trash or flush it down the toilet where it can be treated with other raw
sewage.
