Nonpoint Source: What You Can Do
What You Can Do to Prevent Nonpoint Source Pollution
Urban | Mining | Forestry | Agriculture
Urban Stormwater Runoff
- 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. 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.
- Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.
- Encourage local government officials to develop construction erosion and sediment control ordinances in your community.
- Have your septic system inspected and pumped, at a minimum every three to five 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.
Mining
- Become involved in local mining issues by voicing your concerns about acid mine drainage and reclamation projects in your area.
Forestry
- Use proper logging and erosion control practices on your forest lands by ensuring proper construction, maintenance, and closure of logging roads and skid trails.
- Report questionable logging practices to state and federal forestry and state water quality agencies.
Agriculture
- Manage animal waste to minimize contamination of surface water and ground water.
- Protect drinking water by using less pesticides and fertilizers.
- 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.
- Learn how to protect water quality from urban runoff.
- Learn how low impact development can reduce urban runoff and improve water quality.
- Learn how to protect water quality from agricultural runoff.
- Explore EPA's guidance for controlling NPS pollution.