Storm Season Is Here and So Are the Hidden Dangers
Northern Virginia has been dealing with one rainy day after another this August. From flash flood warnings to surprise downpours, the wet weather has been keeping everyone on their toes. But there’s one messy issue many homeowners haven’t thought about yet — what happens to dog poop when it rains?
It might seem like a small thing, but when dog waste is left on the ground, rainstorms can turn it into a big environmental problem. Let’s break it down.
What Is Stormwater Runoff (and Why Does It Matter)?
Stormwater runoff is basically rainwater that doesn’t soak into the ground. Instead, it flows over surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and yards, picking up all sorts of pollutants along the way, including motor oil, fertilizers, and yes, pet waste.
In many areas of Northern Virginia, especially older neighborhoods, this runoff flows straight into our streams, rivers, and the Potomac watershed without being treated. That means anything it carries along the way ends up in our water.
Why Is Dog Poop a Problem?
Dog waste might be natural, but it’s far from harmless. Here’s why local officials take it seriously:
It’s full of bacteria and parasites like E. coli, giardia, and roundworms, which can contaminate water and make people and pets sick.
It adds excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to the water, which can fuel algae blooms and harm fish.
It poses health risks, especially for kids and pets playing in yards or local streams after a storm.
According to the EPA, pet waste is classified as a “nonpoint source pollutant”— right alongside things like pesticides and car oil.
The "First Flush" Effect
When a heavy storm hits after a dry spell, all that accumulated pet waste on sidewalks, yards, and trails gets washed into the storm drains at once. This is known as the first flush effect, and it can overwhelm local water systems.
It’s especially noticeable in suburban areas like Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria where dog ownership is high and green spaces are everywhere.
What Local Officials Are Doing
Agencies like the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division are working hard to address stormwater pollution. But they can’t do it alone.
That’s where pet owners like you come in.
What You Can Do to Help
You don’t need to be an environmental scientist to make a difference. A few simple actions can go a long way:
Always pick up after your dog—even in your own yard (or call the pros–US).
Bag it and trash it. Don’t leave pet waste out during storms.
Do a quick yard cleanup when you know rain is coming.
Install or support pet waste stations in your neighborhood. We can help with that.
Why DoodyCalls Is Talking About This
We know picking up poop isn’t glamorous but it matters. At DoodyCalls of Northern Virginia, we help homeowners and communities stay clean and stormwater-safe.
Cleaner yards, cleaner water, healthier neighborhoods, it’s what we’re all about.
Need help before the next big storm? Reach out to our team today.