Using humor to improve water quality.

A Shellfish Strategic Initiative funded project with Skagit County has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Award for representing the best in government communications. The project, Poop Smart, is a collaborative effort between Skagit County’s Pollution Identification and Correction Program and PRR, a Seattle-based communications and marketing company.

“We are so pleased to be recognized on a national stage for our Poop Smart campaign,” Skagit County Pollution Identification and Correction Coordinator Karen DuBose said in the Skagit County press release. “It seems that bathroom humor is a great way to make No. 2 the No. 1 concern when it comes to keeping Skagit County water clean.”

The Poop Smart campaign is focused on keeping water clean for people, pets, agriculture, and fish and wildlife. Bacteria in poop (fecal coliform bacteria) can cause illnesses such as gastroenteritis, ear infections, dysentery, or hepatitis A if ingested. People and pets can be exposed by swimming, wading, or eating shellfish from waters with high bacteria levels. Common backyard sources include leaking septic systems, livestock manure and pet waste.

The campaign, using humor, puns and quotes, makes what could be an uncomfortable topic relatable and fun. Check out the Poop Smart toolkit for free resources, like posters to put in your business and social media content.

Visit www.poopsmart.org to learn more about the award-winning campaign.

Did you know?

This project supports the Shellfish Beds Implementation Strategy, which highlights the need for solutions to address barriers such as effective and sustainably funded local non-point pollution programs, sufficient farm waste management and management of onsite septic systems.