Animal waste from pets, farm animals and wildlife can be a significant source of water pollution in some areas. If bacteria levels are high, beaches may be posted as unsafe for swimming. Animal wastes are also high in nutrients that can contaminate groundwater with nitrates and fertilize lakes with phosphorus.

What Pet Owners Can Do

Use a "pooper-scooper" and dispose of pet waste in the garbage or toilet. Some municipalities have implemented "poop and scoop" bylaws. These must be obeyed. If your municipality does not have this bylaw, encourage it to put one in place.
Do not feed the waterfowl. Ducks, gulls, and other waterfowl waste can contribute to problems in ponds and small lakes.

What Farmers Can Do

Install proper manure storage and spread the manure only during the growing season. Keep the manure away from water courses and till it into the soil within a day of spreading.
Install a proper milkhouse wash water disposal system.
Keep livestock out of watercourses. A fence can prevent unnecessary nutrients and bacteria from entering the watercourse and eventually Lake Simcoe.
Contact the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority about funding assistance to complete environmental projects that improve water quality in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Call 905-895-1281 or visit our Landowner Assistance page.