Dog owners in Fishtown and Washington Square West have just days to make their canines contenders for the title of Philly Water’s Best Friend. Philadelphia Water’s casting call for “spokesdogs” ends July 15; top prize: $200 in gifts from local pet stores.

The purpose of the Philly Water’s Best Friend Spokesdog Competition is to keep waterways clean. Organizers accomplish this by showing locals the importance of picking up dog waste.

“Believe it or not, the average dog goes over 20 times a week, leaving up to 200 pounds of waste in its tracks each year,” said Lisa Wool, program director at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.  “Multiply that hundreds of dogs per neighborhood and, well, you’re talking about a big threat to our water.  It’s important to pick it up.”

Philadelphia Water and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary have crowned eight spokesdogs since 2011. They hail from all over Philadelphia, including: East Falls, Fitler Square, Juniata, Lower Moyamensing, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, University City, Manayunk and Roxborough.

Contrary to popular opinion, dog waste is not environmentally friendly, nor is it a fertilizer. Dog poop is a pollutant, and it spreads whenever rain falls or snow melts. This waste can leech into the earth, runoff into storm drains, and flow into waterways like the Delaware River. The resulting bacteria and algae can kill fish and even your good time, should a swimming ban occur.

Voters will select finalists during an online vote August 1-31.

Visit Philly Water’s Best Friend to enter. Dog owners can also call Melissa Bittner of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary at (800) 445-4935, extension 112.

7/6/2015