What is the difference between “point” and “non-point” sources of pollutants?
Point source pollutants come from specific places that we can identify and control. Examples of point source pollutants include sewage treatment plants, industries, hog lots, and storm sewers. Much progress has been made in preventing water quality problems from point source pollutants. Non-point sources come from many different areas as water runs off or moves through the ground. They result from a wide variety of human activities in the watershed. The severity of this type of pollution is proportional to the state’s population density and distribution, the intensity of local agricultural activities, and other land uses. Some examples include forest land runoff, failing septic systems, parking lots, construction sites, and automobile exhaust. Non-point source pollutants are difficult to identify, measure, isolate and control.
