Non Point Source Juan Pablo Gonzalez

As its name implies, non point source is pollution with no source. This means that pollutants can combine because of runoffs, floods, and drainage. A theorical definition is given in Section 502(14) of the Clean Water Act:
“The term "point source" means any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal feeding operation, or vessel or other floating craft, from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include agricultural storm water discharges and return flows from irrigated agriculture.”
There are two types of categories in which the source of water pollution can be divided: non point source and point source. Non point source pollution is harder to control because it has no specific solution; it may vary depending on which pollutants are within the water or where the polluted water is found. Point source pollution is easier to address because the problem is easier to locate, like when a factory is polluting a lake.
“States report that nonpoint source pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems.”
The non point source categories are:
· Abandoned Mine drainage
· Agriculture
· Forestry
· Hidromodification and habitat alteration
· Marinas and boating
· Roads, highways and bridges
· Urban areas
· Low impact development
· Wetland and riparian management
There are 4 principal types of non point source pollutants:
Sediment: Sediment makes water have no clarity. The lack of clarity blocks light, causing problems to the plants. Without light, photosynthesis is not possible and as a result of the damage to plant life, fish habitats are negatively affected.
Phosphorus: It is the most important element in fertilizers. It goes directly to algae causing hypoxia. It is attached to water bodies via soil erosion.
Nitrogen: Also an important element in fertilizers. It is also transported through soil as nitrate and cause hypoxia.
Pathogens: All organic elements that can cause diseases.
Non-Point source is the most important type of water pollution to face nowadays. The water pollution problem is getting worse because of this type of pollution. This is because it is not only one problem, there are a lot of pollution issues combined.

1. - http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/whatis.html
2. - http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/categories.html3. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonpoint_source_pollution