Point Source Pollution

Single source that discharges pollutants into the environment.

• Smokestacks
• Drainpipes
• Chimneys
• Effluent pipes from industry or wastewater treatment facilities
• Generally easy to identify and control (cost not considered)

Non-Point Source Pollution

Discharge of pollutants into the environment over a large area from a dispersed source.

• Fertilizer applications
• Pesticide applications
• Manure from domestic livestock
• Automobile exhaust
• Air pollution from metropolitan and industrial areas
• Sediment from land use practices (grazing, urban development, agriculture, forestry)

Air pollution from urban or industrial areas:

• Acid deposition
• Nutrients (NOx) fertilization of oligotrophic ecosystems

Groundwater:

• Nutrients (N & P)
• Pesticides
• Toxic pollutants
• Generally more difficult to identify sources and consequently control
• May have origin outside the boundary of watershed of concern

Impervious Surfaces

Coming Soon

Land Uses and Natural Events