Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution)

What is nonpoint source pollution?

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, unlike pollution from industrial and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and ground waters.

Find out about NPS pollution programs in your area.

Learn about healthy watersheds and protecting and conserving valuable ecosystems.

Things you can do

Learn how you can prevent NPS pollution.

Learn how to protect water quality from urban runoff.

Learn how low impact development can reduce urban runoff and improve water quality.

Learn how to protect water quality from agricultural runoff.

Explore EPA's guidance for controlling NPS pollution.