As mayor and as someone who grew up working on the May River, I can tell you this: Every choice we make on land affects the water we love. That includes scooping our pet’s poop – every time.
Bluffton is a dog-loving town. We see our neighbors walking their dogs through Old Town, along the trails, and in our neighborhoods every day. But here’s the problem: When people don’t pick up after their dogs, that waste doesn’t just vanish. Rain washes it into storm drains, ditches, and creeks. And all those creeks lead to the May River.
The town’s Water Quality Program has tested bacteria levels more than 75 times this year. Dog waste is a big part of the problem. It isn’t just unsightly – it’s loaded with bacteria that can make people sick. It also contains nutrients that fuel algae growth, which harms fish, shellfish, and the delicate balance of the river’s ecosystem.
Let me put it in perspective. South Carolina is home to about 1.42 million dogs. Each one produces nearly a pound of waste a day. That’s more than a million pounds of waste across our state – every single day. And just one gram of it can contain up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. That’s not something we can ignore.
So, what can you do? First, always carry a bag when you walk your dog. Pick it up every single time – on the trail, in the park, even in your own backyard. Then toss it in the trash or flush it without the bag. Second, remind your neighbors why it matters. Sometimes people just don’t connect the dots between their dog and the river.
To make it easier, the town provides and maintains pet waste stations in our parks. Right now, we’re giving away free leash-mounted bag holders at the town’s Welcome Center, 111 Calhoun Street, while supplies last. Stop by and pick one up.
Bluffton is also part of a regional partnership called Lowcountry Stormwater Partners, led by Beaufort County and Clemson Extension. Together, we’re working to educate people across the Lowcountry about how simple changes – like scooping poop – protect our waterways.
At the end of the day, it’s pretty simple. If you love your dog and you love the river, do both a favor. Scoop the poop, every time, no matter where it lands.
The May River has been the heart of this town for generations. Let’s do our part to keep it clean and healthy. What we do now determines the future health of our community.