Unfortunately, the story is not fiction. The catch: this city’s inhabitants all walk on four legs: dogs. And every day they add some 900,000 pounds of solid waste that directly contaminates ground water and washes — untreated — into our local creeks and lakes every time you water or when it rains. In other words, the “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan is being violated in the worst possible way.

Dog waste is much more than a nuisance and a breeding ground for flies. Just like human sewage, untreated fecal matter from dogs is harmful to waterways. Rain washes dog waste and the associated disease-causing organisms, including giardia and salmonella, into lakes, streams, and the Trinity River via storm drains.

Enough bacteria make water unsafe for drinking and swimming. In fact, pet waste left anywhere is a public health risk. Pet waste on playing fields, sidewalks, or parks can contain worms and contagious diseases.

Even at home, responsible pet owners should double bag pet waste in biodegradable bags and put it in the trash to prevent water pollution associated with bacteria laden waste. Preventing dog fecal matter from entering the watershed means a healthier and safer community for everyone. And the ripple effects from that will improve life throughout the entire region. This is our Texas. Let’s keep it beautiful.