Nonpoint Pollution

What is...
Nonpoint Source Pollution?

This is water pollution That does not come out of a pipe (point source pollution), but is runoff from diffuse sources of urban, agricultrue, and forestry areas. Nonpoint point source (NPS) pollution causes many of the same pollution problems as point source pollution. It is a serious contributor to water pollution.

Where does it come from?

NPS pollution comes from many sources. Every time it rains, pollutants are washed into our streams, lakes, and estuariess. Excess rain that cannot be absorbed into the soil becomes stromwater runoff which washes sediment and contaminants like bacteria, nutrients (phosphorous and nitrogen from leaves, etc.), fertilizers, and toxic substances into water bodies. toxic substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, oil and grease wash off of streets, parking lots, lawns, farms and logging and construction areas. Pollutants from the air, such as lead, sulfur, and nitrogen from automobile and industrail exhaust, are also carried by the rain.

What can you do to HELP?

YOU can help reduce nonpoint source pollution-

* Help prevent erosion by planting slopes and resodding barespots.

* Have your soil tested; use the right type and amount of fertilizer

* Use pesticides only when other methods have failed; but only what you will use that season, and follow unstructions on the label for the use and storage. Take container to a household hazardous waste collection day.

* Compost your leaves, grass and shrub clippings instead of dumping them into drainage ditches.

* Many household cleaning products should never be washed doun the drain - they can harm people, animals and the environment. Take to a local household hazardous waste collection. Try safe alternatives for these cleaning products

* Service your car regularly so that it doesn't leak oil or contribute heavily to air pollution. Recycle used motor oil.

* Dispose of trash properly DON'T LITTER! Styrofoam, plastics (such as plastic rings from six-pack beverages) and other debris can injure and kill wildlife and fish.

* RECYCLE

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