Any time it rains, storm water collects pollutants and eventually takes those pollutants to the river untreated. Pet waste contains several pollutants of concern that degrade water quality. Pathogens include bacteria and viruses that can cause human illness if ingested. Compounds can cause algae blooms and increase vegetation in the water that disrupt the river ecosystem. You can prevent pollutants from entering our waterways by simply picking up after your pet.