As Angelenos, we take great pride in our City–as we should. It’s vibrant, diverse, and full of amazingly unique things to do day in and day out. One of the most extraordinary things about Los Angeles is the chance to enjoy many of these activities with many of our four-legged friends. However, (and this is not breaking news to you) one of our main objectives and concerns in maintaining the splendor of LA is protecting something else just as precious as our pets – and that’s our water supply.

Sure, we often cover topics about when/how much to water your lawn, and other good housekeeping changes we all need to make. But how often do you consider the balance of proper pet care and water conservation? We’ve come up with a few great places to start, with many of them hopefully being DIY solutions or simple tweaks that will hopefully lead to a…watershed moment…for both two-legged and four-legged Angelenos.

Ideas for When the Water is Flowing

  • There’s more than one way to collect water and make the most of it when the faucet is running. Place a large bowl or basin in your sink or bathtub while waiting for the water to warm up. This initial cold water from the faucet can be saved to fill your pet’s water bowl. Eco-friendly reusable jugs with a large mouth are ideal for bathtubs. If you’re in the kitchen, consider having a pet bowl nearby to top off before you hand wash any dishes that may not be suitable for the dishwasher.
  • Limiting bath time helps everyone in the long run and probably saves you a headache. When bathing your dog, set your phone’s timer to track how long the water runs. If possible, do your best to scrub for a few minutes using a low-flow showerhead or hose nozzle. They don’t need tub time as often as we do, but very few dogs we’ve come across actually enjoy it. Also, depending on the shampoo or soap you use, outdoor baths offer a great alternative, have the added bonus of watering the lawn and can save towels from extra trips through the spin cycle.

Eco-Friendly Topical Flea Treatments Avoid a Circus of Environmental Concerns

  • Choosing eco-friendly products creates positive ripple effects for our waterways and water supply. If you care for the Earth as much as you do your pet, what’s a little bit of extra research or a quick Internet search? Look for flea and tick treatments labeled as environmentally friendly or less harmful to aquatic life. Seek out products with natural ingredients or those approved by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s also worth asking next time you’re at the vet. Also, the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) offers many great resources for protecting our pets, water, and world.
  • When you make a choice, use it only as directed. Make sure you read the instructions on the bottle before you overdo it. Going overboard with the application of flea treatments does not make it any more effective, increases the risk of runoff into stormwater systems and may harm your pet.
  • Maintain the mane. Regular brushing, bathing, and other grooming techniques can help reduce the need for chemical flea treatments. Don’t give the fleas time to set up shop. You’ll be saving yourself time in the long run, which means more opportunities for cuddles, walks, and other fun activities.

Do Your Civic “Doody”

  • Don’t be that person. Pretending you forgot to take a biodegradable bag when you leave for a walk is about as lame as pretending you forgot your wallet at a restaurant. Whether it’s a quick stroll around the neighborhood or heading out to the park, please make sure you bag it up, TIE it off and throw it in your black trash bin.
  • There’s a place for everything, and everything should be there. As a city, we’ve done a pretty great job of having adequate places to dispose of pet waste once you bag it up. Pet waste should always be disposed of in your City-issued black trash bin. Never place dog waste in your City-issued green bin. The harmful bacteria in dog waste means that it is not compostable. It belongs in the trash. 
  • Preach what you practice. You don’t have to jump up on a soapbox or anything, but as a pet owner, we’re pretty willing to bet you love talking about your best friend whether they are within leash distance or not. If you notice that a fellow dog owner isn’t doing their part by picking up their pet’s waste, call BS (or in this case, DS). You’re not just being a good neighbor – you’re being a great Angeleno on behalf of all of us.

In the end, it’s not so much about drastic overhauls as much as it is about teaching us old Angelenos new tricks. Join LA Stormwater and the entire city of Los Angeles in upping our water conservation game.

Have any other great water conservation tips? Share them with us at lastormwater@lacity.org, and we might feature them on our social media channels.