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Pippy Park contains an interconnected network of streams and ponds that occur in all areas of the park. In high use areas, these water bodies can pick up pollutants from some unexpected sources, such as dog poo! When dog faeces are deposited on trails near bodies of water, it can result in a high amount of faecal colliform bacteria being washed into streams (1). Dogs are a major source of pollution to waterways because of this.

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In a survey conducted in 2004 asking why people visited urban parks, 50% of people said they frequented parks to relax (2).  For pet owners, this relaxation goes hand-in-hand with walking a dog.  The Pippy Park Commission Act has a by-law stating that all dogs must be kept on a leash, and that owners must pick up their dog's excrement as soon as it is deposited. Sadly, these rules aren't always followed by the people who use the park.  One survey has shown the top five reasons for this are:



1. Dog doo is just natural fertilizer! Isn't it?
2. It is inconvenient to clean up after your pet.
3. I left my dog bags at home!
4. My dog ran off into the woods, I didn't see anything!
5. Everyone does it, it doesn't bother anyone

 

However, while animal waste is a cosmetic issue, it is most definitely more than that. In fact, water quality can be compromised when non-point source run-off from urban surfaces (for example, lawns and pavement) enters streams, rivers and lakes (3). When this run-off contains pet waste, faecal contamination of water systems can ensue.  Escherichia coli, along with other bacteria from dog waste contribute around 30% of all pollution in a stream and most of these bacteria enter the water when rain washes it from the land into the stream (4).​ 



The pathogens found in dog faeces can make people sick. Bacteria (like E. coli and Yersinia enterocoloitica), viruses (like Norovirus), and parasites (like Cryptosporidium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii) are all common zoonoses found in dog waste (5).

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The purpose of our study is to try to determine if the waterways of Pippy Park are being contaminated by dog faecal matter, as well as to recommend ways to solve any problems we find.

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