HOW CAN I REDUCE OR ELIMINATE NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTANTS IN AROUND MY HOME?

There are two types of source water pollution: point and nonpoint. Point source pollution comes from single specific locations. Examples of this type of pollution include sewage treatment plants, manufacturing plants, and large confined livestock feeding facilities. Point source pollution sites are usually easy to identify and control. Controlling point source discharges came under federal regulations in 1972.

Water covers 75 percent of the earth's surface. It would seem that we have enough water for all mankind. Realization that 97 percent of the earth's water is found in oceans is a sobering first step. About two percent of the remaining three is stored in ice caps, glaciers, and snowy mountain ranges. So that leaves one percent of the earth's water supply for our daily water supply needs. Considering that one percent of earth's water is the only fresh, or drinkable water available, we should each do our part to help protect it.

Nonpoint source pollution occurs over a large area, over a period of time, and from a large range of sources from both rural and urban areas. Nonpoint source pollution sites are hard to identify and control, because the contaminants are not usually traceable to an exact source. Nonpoint source pollution results from a wide variety of human activities on land. Each of earth's residents can contribute to the problem without even realizing it. What isn't readily known can hurt the environment. When rain falls or snow melts, chemicals and other pollutants around the house, workplace, and everywhere in between, get picked up and carried as runoff into the ground, storm drains, and surface water. What can be done to help protect ground and surface water from nonpoint source pollution? A start can be made at home, the workplace and everywhere in between.

Some handy tips to help alleviate non-point source pollution around your house include the following:

• Clean up after your pets to avoid runoff of nutrients and potential disease-causing microorganisms;


• Have underground storage tanks checked for leaks;


• Never pour toxic household chemicals down the drain, sewer, or on the ground (Take them to the appropriate waste collection center.);


• Recycle used oil and antifreeze by taking them to service stations and other recycling centers;


• Buy and use recycled products;


• Schedule regular tune-ups for your car to reduce deposition of toxic pollutants and petroleum byproducts from exhaust gases;


• Have your septic system inspected and maintained regularly;


• Protect areas around wells to ensure that contamination does not occur;


• Use integrated pest management practices where appropriate;


• Select porous materials such as gravel for walkways and driveways to increase filtration and decrease surface runoff;


• If you live by a shore, contour your lawn to reduce runoff into the water;


• Spread mulch on bare ground and plant bare patches to prevent erosion and runoff;


• Test your soil before applying fertilizers to achieve proper application levels and minimize nutrients leaching into groundwater or running off into surface waters;


• Keep fertilizers off paved areas, including driveways and sidewalks, to prevent rain from washing the nutrients into the street and storm drains; and


• If you use a professional lawn care service, select a company that follows practices of applying fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and properly.

The items covered here are ways to help reduce nonpoint source pollution around the house but they can and should be practiced no matter where. Use non-toxic or less toxic chemicals whenever possible. Many chemicals used around the home are toxic.Use household chemicals only as directed. Soil cannot filter most chemicals and those will likely end up as runoff. Finally, remember to dispose of your chemicals in an approved manner, such as household chemical collection events sponsored by your local governments.