Threats to Clean Water

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Threats to Clean Water

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Nonpoint source pollution is one of the biggest threats to water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency cites nonpoint source pollution as "the leading remaining cause of water quality problems" in our nation's waters. Nonpoint source pollution has also been called "people pollution" because it comes from agricultural and urban runoff, improperly managed construction sites, and faulty septic systems, and other human activities.

In our urban community, the biggest contributor to nonpoint source pollution is stormwater runoff - the water that flows and drains after a rain or snow melt. Unlike sewage from our homes and businesses, which is captured and piped to the wastewater treatment plant to be cleaned, rain or melting snow runoff from lawns, streets, and parking lots flows directly to our rivers, lakes, and streams untreated. It impacts both surface water and our groundwater. A major emphasis of the plan is to address nonpoint source pollution by focusing on everyday habits rather than through treatment equipment or enforcement of regulations.

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Last modified: March 02, 2005