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Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution
Nonpoint Source Pollution occurs when water runoff picks up and carries
away one to many natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing
them into our lakes, streams, and even our underground water sources.
The amount of pollution in water runoff is significantly larger than any
pollution coming from industry. Every piece of trash you may find on the
street that isn't picked up, will end up in a storm drain and will make
its way into a stream or river. Types of pollutants
include:
- Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from
agricultural lands and residential areas
- Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy
production
- Sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and
forest lands, and eroding stream banks
- Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned
mines
- Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty
septic systems
What can you do?
- Dispose of trash properly, including cigarette butts.
- Avoid pouring used oil, antifreeze, and other pollutants down
the storm drain. Clean up spills properly.
- Wash your vehicle at a commercial carwash where water is either
recycled or sent into the sanitary sewer where it is treated.
- Or, wash your vehicle in the grass to allow the detergents to go
through their biological process before entering the water table.
- Use non-toxic alternatives to fertilizers and pesticides.
- Use caution when using pesticides and avoid using them near
rivers or streams. Follow directions on the label.
- Try planting pest and disease resistant plants.
- When camping, use biodegradable soap and rinse dishes away from
streams and lakes.
- Sweep driveways, patios, and sidewalks clean instead of hosing
them down.
- Fence livestock away from streams and wetlands.
- Pick up pet waste to avoid it entering a stream or runoff.
- Avoid planting lawn all the way to a stream. Leave trees or
vegetation along the banks as a buffer.
- Create a compost pile.
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