The term nonpoint source pollution is also used when discussing storm water pollution. Nonpoint source pollution is water pollution that originates from many different sources. It differs from point source pollution, a term used to describe pollutants that are discharged into a water body at a single, known location, such as from a wastewater treatment plant or an industry. NPS pollution is caused by precipitation events that pick up and carry away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water. Pollutants in water include a wide spectrum of chemicals, and/or pathogens. Many of the chemical substances are toxic. Pathogens can produce waterborne disease in either human or animal hosts. Alterations of water's physical chemistry include acidity, conductivity, temperature; and eutrophication, increases in chemical nutrients, which are normally limited. Pollutants may 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 streambanks;
• Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems;
• Phosphorus is a nutrient that occurs in many forms. It is a freshwater pollutant, which in excess amounts leads to algae blooms and consequently hypoxia, oxygen depletion. A reduced concentration of dissolved oxygen in a water body can lead to stress and death in aquatic organisms.
• Nitrogen is also a nutrient, which when in excess can also lead to algal blooms. As the population of these organisms die and decompose, the dissolved oxygen demand increases, causing hypoxia.



Because nonpoint source pollution may begin from many different sources there may be no specific solution to rectify the problem, making it difficult to regulate. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nonpoint source pollution is the leading cause of water pollution in the United States today, with polluted runoff from agriculture the primary cause. We can all work together to reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution. Some activities such as by zoning restrictions, storm water and erosion control ordinances and monitoring and enforcement are part of the local government’s responsibilities. Individuals can also play an important role by practicing conservation and by changing certain everyday habits. The following are a few recommendations:

An algae bloom covers a surface water body



• Keep litter, pet wastes, leaves, and debris out of street gutters and storm drains--these outlets drain directly to lake, streams, rivers, and wetlands.
• Apply lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to directions.
• Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly, not in storm sewers or drains.
• 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.
• Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
• Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum, every 3-5 years so that it operates properly.
• Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into our lakes, streams and coastal waters.