What is Non-Point Source Pollution?

1. What is Non-Point Source Pollution? • Non-point source pollution is the type of pollution where a single point of entrance to the water is unidentifiable. Non-point source originates from a variety of places, pesticides and fertilizers run off agriculture fields and household lawns and oil runs off parking lots, and cow manure seeping into streams. • Even the rain that falls into the water or its watershed can contribute to non-point source pollution by adding pollution found within the atmosphere.

2. Where Is the Pollution Born? • Non-point source pollution comes from many places. These may include: • Runoff from roads into rivers and lakes. • Chemicals added to residential lawns. • Dog poop running off and into the rivers and lakes. • Chemicals from agriculture fields. • Defecation from livestock animals into the river.

3. What’s the Big Deal? • Because the point of pollution is widespread and vast this type of pollution is harder to control and regulate. • Most people think of pollution as coming from industry and cars, not from there farms or yard. It’s hard to admit when your doing something wrong.

4. What Can I Do? • Many things can be done to limit non-point source pollution. • The best way to prevent non-point source pollution is to be aware that pollution can come from anywhere, even your backyard. • Tell people about what you’ve learned about pollution and how it impacts the rivers and lakes.

5. More Information • http://www.epa.gov/ORD/WebPubs/fresh/ • http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/kids/whatwrng.htm • http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/land/env/wq1.html