Mitigating Nonpoint Source Pollution To Protect Surface Waters

Nonpoint source pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health and beauty of aquatic ecosystems, with far-reaching consequences for communities and economies. It is challenging to address due to its diverse sources and locations, but preventing it is crucial for maintaining water quality and the well-being of the natural environment. Nonpoint source pollution arises from various human activities, including agricultural operations, urban runoff, and improper waste management, ultimately contaminating lakes, rivers, and oceans. This type of pollution has harmful effects on drinking water, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife, and its impact on coastal communities and industries, such as commercial fishing and tourism, can be devastating. To combat this issue, individuals, communities, and governments must work together to implement solutions, such as proper waste disposal, maintaining septic tanks, using buffer strips to prevent soil erosion, and adopting responsible agricultural practices.

Properly dispose of oil, grease, and other household chemicals

Properly disposing of oil, grease, and other household chemicals is essential to prevent nonpoint source pollution, which is the leading cause of water quality issues. Nonpoint source pollution refers to water pollution from various diffuse sources, including urban runoff, which can carry oil and grease into water bodies. Here are some ways to ensure proper disposal:

Cooking Oil and Grease

Cooking oil and grease should never be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet. When disposed of improperly, they can solidify and clog pipes, leading to plumbing issues and potential sewage backups. Instead, follow these steps:

• Allow the oil or grease to cool completely.
• Choose a suitable container, such as an empty jar, a milk carton, a coffee can, or a dedicated grease container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent spills and leaks.
• Dispose of the sealed container in your regular household trash.
• Alternatively, you can recycle cooking oil at designated collection sites or through programs that convert it into biodiesel fuel.

Motor Oil

Used motor oil should also never be poured down household or street drains. It can severely harm underwater vegetation and aquatic life. Instead, take advantage of service stations, which are required by law to accept a certain amount of used motor oil per person per day, free of charge.

Household Chemicals

Other household chemicals, such as antifreeze, paints, and pesticides, should be disposed of properly as well. Do not pour them into storm sewers or drains. Look for local programs or sites that collect household hazardous waste, and always clean up any spills.

Maintain septic tanks

Septic tanks are an important tool to prevent water pollution. They separate solids, greases, and liquids, with bacteria breaking down the solids and the liquid being treated as it moves into the absorption field. A properly functioning septic tank should not release anything harmful to the environment.

Septic systems can be a major source of water pollution if they are not maintained, designed, installed, or sited properly. They can contaminate ground and surface water with pathogens, chemicals, and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This can lead to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in the water, and can even cause fish and other aquatic organisms to die.

To ensure your septic tank is functioning properly, follow these maintenance tips:

• Have your septic tank serviced regularly, including pumping the tank every 2-5 years, depending on household size, and inspecting for leaks.
• Conserve water in your household to prevent the septic tank from overfilling.
• Only deposit necessary waste down your drains. Avoid using garbage disposals, and do not flush tissues, feminine hygiene products, diapers, or wet wipes.
• Avoid compacting the soil covering your septic drain field as it cannot be restored once compacted.
• Avoid planting trees or large shrubs near the septic tank to prevent their roots from disrupting the system or plugging pipes.
• Do not pour oil, grease, or harsh cleaning products down the drain, as these can affect the bacteria in your septic tank.
• Do not flush prescription drugs or antibiotics down the toilet.
• Limit the use of garbage disposals, as they add organic matter to the septic system, which will require more frequent pumping.
• Ensure the area above your septic tank and drain field is surrounded by non-compacted soil.

Block livestock from directly accessing water bodies

Livestock kept near water bodies can have a detrimental impact on water quality. Trampling of the stream bank, increased levels of E. coli, and the deposit of feces are all consequences of allowing livestock to roam free near water bodies. To prevent this, livestock should be blocked from directly accessing water bodies such as streams, rivers, and lakes. This can be achieved through the use of fencing, which can be as simple as a single strand of high tensile, electrified wire or as robust as woven wire fencing.

When deciding on the placement of fencing, several factors should be considered, including the slope, animal species, and animal and vegetation density. Fence lines should be designed so that livestock trails do not border on or include a stream bank or lakeshore. Fencing should also be able to adequately restrain the livestock. Materials should be chosen based on the needs of the livestock and management goals.

In addition to fencing, it is important to provide alternative sources of water for the livestock. This can be achieved by providing water troughs or other drinking water sources away from the water body. Implementing a rotational grazing system can also help reduce the impact of livestock on water quality. This system involves rotating livestock from pasture to pasture, allowing vegetation time to grow and reducing pasture erosion.

Supplemental feeding and shade sources away from surface waters are other practices that can further reduce the impact of livestock on water quality. Filter and buffer strips can also be utilized. These are strips of densely vegetated land situated between the surface water and the pasture, helping to reduce the runoff of pollutants such as nutrients, bacteria, sediment, and other contaminants into the water.

Reduce sediment runoff from fields

Reducing sediment runoff from fields is essential to prevent water pollution and protect water quality. Here are some detailed instructions to reduce sediment runoff:

Plant buffer strips and encourage riparian corridors:

Planting buffer strips of grass or vegetation between fields and water bodies can effectively absorb soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and other pollutants. This practice helps to prevent soil erosion and keeps fertile soil in place, especially in fields bordering meandering streams.

Implement reduced tillage techniques and cover crops:

Reduced tillage improves soil structure and leaves a vegetative cover that protects the soil from erosion. Using cover crops is a popular practice among farmers to strengthen and protect their soil resources.

Apply conservation tillage:

Conservation tillage involves leaving crop residue from a previous harvest when planting a new crop. This technique reduces erosion as the field is not plowed, keeping the nutrients and pesticides in place.

Practice crop nutrient management:

Apply fertilizers sparingly, and only when needed, to prevent excess nutrient runoff. Test the fields before the growing season to ensure fertilizers are applied according to the soil's needs.

Implement proper grazing management:

Implement planned grazing systems, such as rotational grazing, to reduce pasture erosion and give vegetation time to grow. This also helps with composting and reducing nutrient impacts.

Use sediment control practices during construction:

If construction is taking place near fields, use sediment fences, retaining fences, and grass planting to reduce runoff and associated pollution. These practices control erosion, trap large materials, filter sediment from rainwater, and slow down runoff.

By following these practices, farmers and landowners can effectively reduce sediment runoff from fields, contributing to improved water quality and a healthier environment.

Reduce nutrient runoff from fields

To reduce nutrient runoff from fields, farmers can adopt a variety of nutrient management techniques. Firstly, it is crucial to apply the right amount of fertiliser at the right time of year and with the right method. This means ensuring that nutrients are only applied as needed and not in excess. For instance, farmers can test their fields prior to the growing season to ensure that fertiliser applications are modified accordingly. This will help prevent excess nutrient runoff and protect water quality.

Another strategy is to adopt conservation drainage practices, which are particularly important for managing water movement in certain types of soil, such as in the Midwest. Conservation drainage includes techniques like modifying drainage system design and operation, utilising woodchip bioreactors, saturated buffers, and making changes to the drainage ditch system. These practices help to reduce nutrient loads while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production.

Additionally, farmers can ensure year-round ground cover by planting cover crops or perennial species. This prevents periods of bare ground when the soil is most susceptible to erosion and nutrient loss into waterways. Implementing conservation tillage practices can also help reduce the frequency and intensity of tilling, improving soil health, reducing erosion, and decreasing the chance of nutrients reaching waterways.

Furthermore, planting field buffers of trees, shrubs, and grasses along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies, can be effective. These buffers act as a natural filter, absorbing and trapping nutrients before they reach water sources.

Finally, engaging in watershed efforts and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders is vital. Farmers can play a leadership role by working with state governments, farm organisations, conservation groups, educational institutions, and community groups to reduce nutrient pollution in water and air.

Frequently asked questions