Urban Nutrient Run-Off: Changing Perceptions about Canine Waste Collection

The EPA estimates that nutrient pollution is one of America's most challenging environmental problems and leading the list of contaminants is phosphorus (P). Research has demonstrated that there are two major contributors of P to urban area stormwater: fertilizer and dog waste. A 25-year assessment of soil tests collected from Fayette County home lawns and gardens from 1990-2014 through the UK/Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service, revealed that 84% exceeded the high-risk level of 120# P/acre. To address this issue, the educational program titled, "No P on my Lawn!" was launched in 2017. It focuses on educating the general public and lawn and landscape care businesses about responsible nutrient management and reduction of P fertilizer applications. However, it does not expound on the second largest source of P in urban environments: dog waste. Addressing dog waste as a pollution source is particularly important as Kentucky ranks 3rd in the nation behind Arkansas and New Mexico for the number of dogs (45.9% of Commonwealth households have 1.9 dogs). The proposed project will utilize research data on the P content of dog waste and translate this into educational material targeting pet owners. It is our assumption that an informed public will adopt pet waste management practices that will reduce nutrient loads to our streams.