| Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) |
| Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) is when pollution originates from any different sources rather than one specific, identifiable source and gets into our water. NPS occurs when rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation runs over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants, and deposits them into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters or introduces them into ground water. Not only can it contaminate water, it can also cause adverse changes to the vegetation and affect the shape and flow of streams and other aquatic systems. NPS pollution remains the nation's largest source of water quality problems. According to the EPA it is the main reason that approximately 40 percent of our surveyed rivers, lakes, and esturaries are not clean enough to meet basic uses such as fishing and swimming. NPS pollution is widespread and can result from a variety of human activities on the land. Careless or uninformed household management contributes to NPS pollution problems. The most common household originated NPS pollutants include Pesticides, bacteria, salts, oil, grease, toxic chemicals, and heavy metal Inadequate septic systems, animal waste, and large amounts of grass clippings, leaves and other natural debris cause household hazardous waste to get into our natural water supply. You may be surprised at how many hazardous materials are in your own home that can contribute to NPS pollution if not handled properly! Other examples of NPS pollution include soil eroded from construction sites, fertilizers from fields and lawns, metals and oil from automobiles, and road salts These pollutants come from sources the common person has control over. You know, like that used oil poured into storm drains or on the ground. It is more of a way to express the accumulation of pollutants as a result of common, wide spread activiities in both urban and rural areas. Instead of using store bought chemicals try using safer alternatives to common household products. Some of the alternatives are listed below. Air refresher - Find source of odor and deal with it. Open windows to ventilate. To scent air, use herbal bouquets, pure vanilla on a cotton ball, or simmer cinnamon and cloves. Car battery corrosion - Pour baking soda and water or cola over battery posts and scrub with a wire brush. Decal removal - Soak in hot water if practical; otherwise white vinegar or coat it with peanut butter and let it soak overnight. Disinfectant - Wash items with soap and water or with borax or washing soda (sodium carbonate) in water. Deodorizes, too. Drain Cleaner - Try plunger first. Then pour 1/2 cut baking soda down, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar; wait a few minutes and pour in 2 quarts boiling water. Repeat if needed. If this fails, rent or buy a drain snake. Fertilizer - Compost and organic fertilizers. Insects on plants - Identify insects on plants and select appropriate control; least toxic methods include hand or water spray removal, soapy water spray, barriers and traps. Laundry bleach - Use borax on all clothes or 1/2 cup white vinegar in rinse water to brighten dark clothing. Non-chlorinated bleach also works well. Oven cleaner - As a preventative measure, cover the oven bottom with a sheet of aluminum foil. Clean up spills promptly. To clean, use baking soda, soap and water with a copper scrubber and lots of elbow grease. Or use a non chlorinated scouring powder or non-caustic oven cleaner. Roaches - Remove all sources of food and water. Remove hiding places such as old newspapers, garbage bags and other clutter. Caulk or plug cracks and crevices. Last resort is to use boric acid (apoison). This must be kept away from pets and children. Slugs and snails - Remove tall grass and debris from vicinity of garden. Use beer traps (replenish frequently) or hand capture in the evening. Sheet copper is most effective barrier. Toilet bowl cleaner - Baking soda and castile soap. Tub and tile cleaner - Use vinegar full-strength on a sponge, then use baking soda as scouring powder. Rinse well. |
 |
| One gallon of oil can contaminate one million gallons of water. |