The city of Mercer Island’s stormwater team has launched an outreach effort to spread the word about the importance of residents scooping their dogs’ waste in Island public spaces. The Why All The Flags? pet waste campaign features large yellow signs emblazoned with black writing offering information and explaining the solution: Bring extra bags; scoop every poop; and carry it to the trash. Green and red flags are placed in the areas where un-scooped dog waste was left in parks. According to the city, “Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that washes down storm drains and into Lake Washington. This creates a significant source of pollution in our streams and lakes, making our favorite places to swim and play unsafe and unhealthy.” Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island