Nonpoint Source Pollution:
Our Biggest Challenge
Rainbow-colored water drops betray the oily residue found on parking lots and roadways, which eventually washes into streams, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Autos are a significant source of nonpoint source pollution (photo ©2002 John Nordell/The Christian Science Monitor)
It's the largest cause of water pollution in the nation, and one we've barely begun to address. But there's lots you can do to help. . .
Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) comes from many different sources, unlike the discharge produced by a single identifiable source, like a factory or a sewage plant. NPS occurs when rain or melting snow picks up contaminants as it washes across or through the ground, eventually depositing this polluted runoff into streams, rives, lakes, the ocean, and even underground water sources.
Studies show that nonpoint source pollution is the biggest cause of water-quality problems in Maine and throughout the nation. It harms wildlife, fisheries, and potentially human health--not to mention the effect on recreational opportunities such as swimming or fishing.
NPS includes oil, grease, and other toxic chemicals (such as lawn chemicals) from urban runoff; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers from agricultural lands; bacteria and nutrients from animal wastes and faulty septic systems; sediment from careless construction, forestry, or agricultural practices.
NPS increases when porous vegetated land, which absorbs and filters contaminants in runoff, is replaced with impervious asphalt, which allows surface contaminants to be washed into water bodies.What Can You Do to Help Reduce NPS?
At home:
- Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains--these outlets drain directly to lake, streams, rivers, and wetlands.
- Consider not using lawn and garden chemicals; if you must, read directions carefully and apply sparingly (for natural lawn-care tips, visit http://eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_care.htm)
- Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers or drains. If your community does not already have a program for collecting household hazardous wastes, ask your local government to establish one.
- Clean up spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, and antifreeze. Do not hose them into the street where they can eventually reach local streams and lakes.
- Immediately fix any fluid leaks in vehicles.
- Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas (learn more about riparian buffers).
- Encourage local government officials to develop construction erosion/sediment control ordinances in your community.
In the Woodlot:
- Use proper logging and erosion control practices on your forest lands by ensuring proper construction, maintenance, and closure of logging roads and skid trails.
On the Farm:
- Manage animal waste to minimize contamination of surface water and ground water.
- Protect drinking water by reducing fertizlizers and eliminating or reducing pesticides.
- Reduce soil erosion by using conservation practices and other applicable best management practices.
- Use planned grazing systems on pasture and rangeland.
- Dispose of pesticides, containers, and tank rinsate in an approved manner.
For more information on what you can do to reduce NPS, visit the EPA's NPS pointer page: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/facts/
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