By admin 
SALT RIVER, AZ (AZFamily) — The Salt River is known for its scenic views, lush trees, cool water and relaxing float trips. But lately, the popular destination is also getting known for something else: human waste.
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Volunteers like Michelle Jacob have helped clean up the Salt River for years. During one of their recent cleanups, they filled up nearly five gallons of toilet paper and human waste.
Jacob said the problem has gotten worse lately, with more people leaving behind their business and piles of toilet paper along the shore.
“Well, it’s disgusting really,” Jacob said.
Jacob said this has been an ongoing issue that is only getting worse.
“It’s the first time in any of our cleanups that I’ve wanted to sanitize everything I touched,” Jacob said. “We come across areas behind trees, toilet paper. We are good for at least one diaper or more every time we come out.”
Environmental impact
Jacob says the waste is not just unsightly. It can also be bad for the environment.
“Twenty-five percent of the waterways report issues with human waste and disposal,” Jacob said. “Ultimately, all of that through rains, run-off, comes back into our waterways and contaminates our waterways.”
River users have mixed reactions to the problem. Brenda Dinan said she understands why it is happening.
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“I think it’s kind of gross, but it makes sense,” Dinan said. “There’s nowhere for people to go.”
The message from volunteers is simple: If you bring something to the river, do not leave it behind.
“This is in an area that we’re trying to keep beautiful and preserve, and this isn’t a piece of that,” Jacob said.
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