Strategies To Mitigate Nonpoint Sources Of Water Pollution

Nonpoint source pollution is a leading threat to the health of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and marine waters. It is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground, picking up and carrying natural and human-made pollutants, and depositing them into water bodies. As the exact locations of nonpoint source pollution cannot be identified, it is essential to take measures to stop pollution before it begins. This involves implementing solutions on personal property and in communities, such as maintaining vehicles to reduce leaks, using porous paving materials, and creating buffer zones between used land and water bodies.

Strategies to Improve Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution

Reduce the use of chemicals in your yard and dispose of them properly

Reducing the use of chemicals in your yard is an important step towards improving nonpoint sources of water pollution. Here are some ways to achieve this:

• Use natural fertilizers: Opt for natural fertilizers such as manure, compost, mulch, or peat. These products are safer for the environment and can be found at your local garden supply or hardware store. You can even make your own compost, which is cost-effective and beneficial for your plants.
• Landscape with native plants: Choose native and drought-tolerant plants that require less water and fewer herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Native plants are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, reducing the need for additional chemicals.
• Collect and reuse rainwater: Install rain barrels to capture and reuse rainwater for irrigation. This not only reduces your reliance on chemical-laden tap water but also helps conserve water and keep dirty rainwater out of local streams and rivers.
• Plant a rain garden: Rain gardens are designed to catch and infiltrate excess stormwater, allowing it to absorb naturally into the ground. This helps reduce runoff and the potential for nonpoint source pollution.
• Connect downspouts to rain barrels: By directing your gutter downspouts into rain barrels instead of your driveway or street, you can collect rainwater for later use and prevent dirty rainwater from entering local water bodies.
• Use porous pavement: When it's time to replace your driveway or pavement, consider using porous materials. These allow stormwater to soak through and infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and the risk of pollution.

Properly disposing of chemicals is crucial to improving nonpoint sources of water pollution. Here are some general guidelines:

• Do not flush or pour chemicals down the drain: Avoid disposing of chemicals such as cleaning products, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, motor oil, antifreeze, or medications down the toilet, sink, or household drain. These can contaminate local waterways and harm the environment.
• Utilize hazardous waste disposal programs: Contact your local public works, sanitation, or environmental health department to inquire about hazardous waste collection days or special waste drop-off sites. If such programs don't exist in your area, advocate for their implementation.
• Follow disposal guidelines: When disposing of chemicals, always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or local waste management authorities. This may include specific containers, labels, or disposal methods to ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Maintain your vehicles: Regularly service your vehicles to prevent leaks and spills of harmful fluids such as motor oil, coolant, and antifreeze. Clean up any spills promptly and learn how to safely dispose of automotive products through resources like the Smart Auto Body, Auto Repair, and Dismantling Guide.
• Use non-toxic alternatives: Whenever possible, opt for non-toxic household and garden products. This includes cleaning supplies, laundry products, paints, insecticides, and pool chemicals. By reducing the number of chemicals in your home, you also reduce the risk of improper disposal.

Pick up pet waste and use trash containers

Pet waste is a significant source of water pollution, and it is important to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Dog waste, in particular, contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which can deplete the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. It also encourages the growth of harmful algae and is a significant source of pathogens like E. coli and fecal coliform, a disease-causing bacteria. When pet waste is left on the ground, it can be washed into waterways, causing health risks and problems for wildlife. Therefore, it is essential to pick up after your pet and use trash containers to dispose of their waste properly.

There are several ways to properly dispose of pet waste. One option is to use biodegradable bags to pick up the waste and then throw it into a trash container. It is important to note that the bag should not be flushed, as it can clog pipes and sewers and jam treatment plant equipment. Another option is to install a pet waste disposal system, which can be an environmentally friendly, sanitary, and easy solution. These systems act as miniature septic tanks, using enzymes and bacteria to turn dog waste into a harmless, ground-absorbed liquid.

To encourage proper pet waste disposal, some communities have implemented initiatives such as providing hydrant-shaped bag dispensers and installing pet waste disposal systems in parks. These initiatives aim to educate residents about the importance of picking up after their pets and the environmental benefits of proper disposal.

By taking responsibility for pet waste and using trash containers, individuals can play a crucial role in preventing water pollution and protecting the health of aquatic ecosystems and the community at large. It is a simple yet significant action that contributes to the overall improvement of water quality and the preservation of natural habitats.

Prevent vehicle leaks and use a septic tank

Preventing vehicle leaks and properly maintaining septic tanks are two important ways to improve nonpoint sources of water pollution.

Prevent Vehicle Leaks

Vehicle leaks are a common source of water pollution, and it is important to take proactive measures to prevent them. Regular vehicle maintenance can help reduce the risk of leaks, and there are several things you can do to maintain your vehicle properly. Firstly, it is important to check your engine oil and coolant levels regularly. Engine oil is crucial for lubricating and cleaning your engine, and it should be checked about once a week when the car is still warm and on level ground. Coolant, or engine coolant, is a mixture of antifreeze and water that protects your radiator from overheating or freezing. It is recommended to check the levels of your coolant at least once a week, and you can locate it under the hood of your vehicle, often towards the front, with a coloured cap that may say "engine coolant". Additionally, checking your transmission fluid and brake fluid levels is essential. The recommended interval for changing transmission fluid varies depending on the type of fluid and vehicle, so refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions. If the fluid smells burned or appears dark, it needs to be changed as soon as possible. For brake fluid, locate the reservoir, which is typically on the driver's side near the firewall, and check the fluid level and condition. If the fluid is dirty and dark brown, it needs to be changed.

In the event that you do identify a leak, there are products available to stop and seal leaks in various vehicle components, including the transmission, engine, power steering systems, and more. These products can be purchased from automotive stores or online. However, for more complex or severe leaks, it is recommended to have a mechanic inspect and repair the issue, which can cost $100 or more, depending on the problem and your location.

Properly Maintain Septic Tanks

Septic tanks are commonly used for treating household wastewater, and proper maintenance is crucial to prevent contamination of nearby water sources. A well-maintained septic tank allows solids, greases, and liquids to separate, with bacteria breaking down the solids, and the liquid undergoing treatment before moving into the absorption field. However, a failing septic system can discharge untreated wastewater, containing pathogens (such as E. coli), nutrients, and other harmful substances, directly into the groundwater or surface waters. This can lead to serious health hazards, especially for children and pets. To prevent this, it is important to ensure your septic system is properly designed, installed, and maintained. Consult with professionals in your area for guidance on maintaining or upgrading your septic system to prevent any adverse effects on water quality.

Use porous paving materials for driveways and parking lots

Nonpoint source pollution is a pressing issue, and one way to address it is by using porous paving materials for driveways and parking lots. This simple solution can significantly reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

Porous paving materials, also known as permeable pavements, are designed to allow rainwater, snowmelt, and stormwater to drain through the surface and into the underlying layers of soil and gravel. This helps to reduce the volume of runoff and prevents flooding, which is a common issue with impervious surfaces such as conventional concrete and asphalt. By giving stormwater a place to go, porous paving materials help to reestablish a more natural hydrologic balance.

There are several types of porous paving materials available, including pervious asphalt, pervious concrete, interlocking pavers, and plastic grid pavers. These materials can be used for driveways, low-traffic roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. Stabilized decomposed granite, a mixture of a non-resin binder and aggregate, is another option that provides a strong and durable surface suitable for vehicular traffic.

The benefits of using porous paving materials go beyond stormwater management. These materials can also help to filter out pollutants that contribute to water pollution. For example, permeable pavements can trap suspended solids, reducing the amount of pollutants that end up in nearby water bodies. This is especially important in urban areas, where runoff from impervious surfaces can pick up a variety of contaminants as it flows into storm drains and nearby waterways.

In addition to the environmental benefits, porous paving materials can also provide cost savings. While the initial installation may be more expensive than conventional paving, porous paving can reduce the need for larger or more expensive stormwater management systems. Furthermore, by reducing the volume of runoff and filtering pollutants, porous paving can help to reduce the off-site environmental impact costs associated with stormwater pollution.

Block livestock from water sources and implement rotational grazing

Blocking livestock from water sources and implementing rotational grazing to prevent nonpoint source water pollution

Fencing off water sources

To prevent livestock from accessing water sources directly, farmers and ranchers can install fencing along streams, rivers, and lakes. This simple measure helps restore stream banks and prevents excess nutrients from entering the water. It is a highly effective way to improve water quality.

Rotational grazing

Rotational grazing is a system where livestock are moved frequently between different sections of a pasture, or paddocks, allowing plants in the blocked-off sections time to regrow to grazing height. This improves pasture quality and encourages plants to develop deeper roots, which boosts soil biomass and increases organic material in the soil. This, in turn, improves soil health and encourages biodiversity.

Rotational grazing also helps prevent overgrazing, reducing the amount of water required, as well as limiting soil erosion and improving water quality. It can also help combat drought and climate change by allowing for more cost-effective and efficient irrigation control.

Other measures to reduce nonpoint source water pollution

Other simple measures to reduce nonpoint source water pollution include:

• Using porous paving materials in parking lots and highways to allow rainwater and stormwater to drain into the ground, reducing runoff.
• Planting buffer strips and encouraging the growth of a healthy riparian corridor to limit soil movement into streams.
• Maintaining septic tanks to prevent harmful materials from being released into the environment.

Frequently asked questions