Why do we need to manage storm water? |
(taken from EPA's Polluted brochure EPA-841-F-94-005, 1994) |
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many
diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the
runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into
lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water. These 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 streambanks;
Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned mines;
Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septicsystems;
Atmospheric deposition and hydromodification are also sources of nonpoint source pollution.
What are the effects of these pollutants on our waters? States report that nonpoint source pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems. The effects of nonpoint source pollutants on specific waters vary and may not always be fully assessed. However, we know that these pollutants have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife. |
What causes nonpoint source pollution? We all play a part. Nonpoint source pollution results from a wide variety of human activities on the land. Each of us can contribute to the problem without even realizing it. |
What can we do about nonpoint source pollution?
We can all work together to reduce and prevent nonpoint source pollution. Some activities are federal responsibilities,
such as ensuring that federal lands are properly managed to reduce soil erosion. Some are state responsibilities,
for example, developing legislation to govern mining and logging, and to protect groundwater. Others are best handled
locally, such as by zoning or erosion control ordinances. And each individual can play an important role by practicing
conservation and by changing certain everyday habits.