Strategies To Mitigate Nonpoint Source Water Pollution

Nonpoint source pollution is a pressing issue that stems from diverse human activities and significantly impacts water bodies. It is challenging to address due to its diffuse nature, originating from numerous sources and locations, including agricultural operations, urban and suburban areas, and forestry practices. This type of pollution arises from runoff, precipitation, drainage, and other factors, ultimately contaminating lakes, rivers, and oceans. To combat nonpoint source pollution, various strategies are employed, such as implementing buffer strips, retention ponds, and constructed wetlands in urban and suburban settings, while agricultural operations focus on conservation techniques and integrated pest management. Marinas and boating activities also contribute to nonpoint source pollution, requiring proper waste disposal and maintenance to minimize their environmental impact.

Properly dispose of oil, grease, and household chemicals

Properly disposing of oil, grease, and household chemicals is essential to prevent water pollution and protect the environment. Here are some detailed guidelines 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.
• Seal the container tightly to prevent leaks.
• Dispose of the sealed container in your regular household trash.
• Alternatively, you can take larger quantities of cooking oil to a recycling center or locate a collection site that converts oil into biodiesel fuel.

Motor Oil

Used motor oil should also be properly disposed of to prevent it from reaching local water bodies and harming aquatic life. Service stations are required by law to accept a certain amount of used motor oil per person per day, free of charge. You can also store used motor oil in a sealed container and dispose of it at a local toxic drop-off site.

Household Chemicals

Household chemicals, such as antifreeze, paints, pesticides, and cleaners, should be disposed of properly to prevent water pollution. Never pour these chemicals into storm sewers or drains. Instead:

• Utilize your community's household hazardous waste collection program.
• If your community does not have such a program, contact your local government to establish one.
• Clean up any spills immediately and do not hose chemicals into the street, as they can eventually reach local water bodies.
• Dispose of containers and rinsates in an approved manner.

Maintain septic tanks

Maintaining your septic tank is an important step in preventing water pollution. Septic systems consist of a septic tank and a drain field. Wastewater from your home is piped into the tank, where it settles into three layers: solid waste at the bottom, liquid in the middle, and a scum layer on top. As waste flows into the tank, an equal amount of liquid enters the drain field. The drain field is a series of perforated pipes, buried in gravel and covered with uncompacted soil. The liquid from the tank enters the pipes in the drain field and slowly seeps into the gravel and lower soil layers, where helpful bacteria break down harmful microorganisms, organic matter, and solids present in the effluent.

If a septic system is not functioning properly, excess sewage can enter the drain field, further reducing the system's effectiveness. This can lead to harmful wastewater seeping into nearby water sources. To ensure your septic system is functioning correctly and does not contribute to water pollution, follow these maintenance tips:

• Regular servicing: Have your septic system serviced regularly by a certified professional. This typically includes pumping the tank every 2-5 years, depending on household size, and inspecting the tank for leaks.
• Water conservation: Conserve water in your household to prevent the septic tank from overfilling and discharging too much liquid into the drain field. Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes, and only run washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.
• Proper waste disposal: Only deposit necessary waste down your drains. Avoid using garbage disposals, and do not flush tissues, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cigarette butts, paper towels, facial tissues, or wet wipes. These items can clog the system, leading to costly repairs.
• Avoid soil compaction: Do not compact the soil covering your septic drain field. Once the soil becomes compacted, it becomes ineffective and cannot be restored. Avoid driving vehicles or heavy equipment over the drain field.
• Limit use of garbage disposal: Garbage disposals add organic matter to your septic system, leading to more frequent pumping. Consider composting fruit and vegetable scraps instead.
• Avoid harmful chemicals: Do not pour oil, fat, or harsh cleaning products and detergents down the drain. These substances can affect the bacteria in your septic tank, which are essential for breaking down waste.
• Properly dispose of medications: Prescription drugs and antibiotics should never be flushed down the toilet.
• Maintain the area above the tank and drain field: To function effectively, a septic system should be surrounded by non-compacted soil. Avoid planting trees or shrubs with deep roots that could disrupt the system or plug pipes. Consider growing grass over the drain field to stabilize the soil and absorb liquid and nutrients.

Prevent livestock from accessing water bodies

Preventing livestock from accessing water bodies is an important step in reducing water pollution from nonpoint sources. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:

Fencing and Alternative Watering Sources

Fencing is a convenient and preferred method to keep livestock out of waterways. When installing fencing, consider the slope, animal species, and animal and vegetation density. Fence lines should be designed so that livestock trails do not border or include stream banks or lakeshores. The type of fencing material can range from a simple single strand of high-tensile, electrified wire to more robust woven wire fencing, depending on livestock needs and management goals.

Along with fencing, it is crucial to provide alternative watering sources for the livestock. Cattle, for example, will naturally drink from the most convenient source, which is often a stream or lake. By providing an alternative source, you can help maintain healthy and diverse aquatic life and improve their habitat.

Pasture Management

Good pasture management practices are essential to prevent pollution and avoid environmental complaints. Rotational grazing, for instance, is a system where livestock are rotated from pasture to pasture, keeping the vegetation controlled according to a specific management strategy. This reduces pasture erosion and allows vegetation time to grow.

Filter and Buffer Strips

Filter and buffer strips are sections of densely vegetated land between the surface water and the pasture. They help protect water quality by reducing the runoff of nutrients, bacteria, sediment, and other contaminants. Filter strips are maintained with specific types of vegetation to reduce manure runoff and soil erosion, while buffer strips contain a mix of trees and shrubs, providing shade and further protecting the water resource.

Stream Crossings and Watering Access Sites

If your livestock require access to pastures on the other side of a stream, provide controlled stream crossings with firm and stable footing. This will limit their access to the water while maintaining or improving water quality. Additionally, create well-managed watering access sites to reduce soil erosion and provide controlled access to drinking water.

Supplemental Feeding and Shade Sources

Supplemental feeding and shade sources away from surface waters will further minimize the impact of livestock. By drawing them away from the water sources, you can reduce the risk of contamination.

By implementing these measures, you can effectively prevent livestock from accessing water bodies, thereby reducing water pollution from nonpoint sources and helping to protect our precious water resources.

Reduce sediment runoff from fields

Reducing sediment runoff from fields is crucial to preventing water pollution and protecting water quality. Here are some detailed strategies to achieve this:

Plant Buffer Strips and Encourage Riparian Corridors

Planting buffer strips of grass or vegetation between fields and nearby water bodies, such as streams or rivers, is an effective strategy. These buffer strips act as a natural filter, absorbing soil, fertilisers, pesticides, and other pollutants before they reach the water. This helps to keep your field's fertile soil in place while also improving water quality.

Additionally, encourage the growth of a healthy riparian corridor, which is the buffer zone between used land and a stream. These corridors can regulate water temperature, protect banks from erosion, and filter pollutants from stormwater.

Implement Reduced Tillage Techniques and Cover Crops

Reduced tillage techniques improve soil structure and leave a vegetative cover that protects the soil from erosion. This helps to keep the soil in place and reduces the amount of sediment entering nearby water bodies.

Using cover crops is also gaining popularity among farmers. Cover crops strengthen and protect soil resources, providing a layer of protection against erosion.

Control Soil Erosion with Ground Cover

Controlling soil erosion on your property is essential. Plant ground cover and stabilise erosion-prone areas to prevent sediment runoff. This can include planting grass, wildflowers, or other suitable vegetation to keep the soil in place.

Practice Conservation Tillage

Conservation tillage involves leaving some crop residue from a previous harvest when planting a new crop. This technique reduces erosion because the field is not ploughed, keeping the soil structure intact. It also helps keep nutrients and pesticides in place, preventing them from washing into water bodies.

Implement Proper Land Management Practices

Proper land management can significantly reduce sediment runoff. This includes planning and designing roads and skid trails carefully to follow the contour of the land and minimise erosion. Additionally, maintaining buffer strips between logging operations and nearby water bodies is crucial.

Regularly inspect and maintain erosion and sediment control structures, such as sediment basins and detention ponds, to ensure they are functioning optimally.

Manage Livestock Grazing

Livestock grazing can contribute to sediment runoff. Implement planned grazing systems, such as rotational grazing, to reduce overgrazing and give vegetation time to grow. This will help reduce pasture erosion and improve soil health.

Additionally, isolate animals from water bodies and provide alternative drinking water sources to prevent direct access to streams, rivers, and other water bodies. This will reduce trampling of stream banks and deposition of faeces, which can increase E. coli levels.

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

Reduce nutrient runoff from fields

Farmers can take several steps to reduce nutrient runoff from fields and prevent water pollution. Firstly, it is essential to adopt improved nutrient management techniques. This involves applying the right amount of nutrients, at the appropriate time of year, and with suitable methods and placement. Overuse of chemical fertilizers leads to various environmental issues, including water eutrophication, nitrogen-related greenhouse gas emissions, and groundwater pollution. Farmers should also consider using alternative organic fertilizers, such as manure, and ensure proper storage and application to prevent water contamination.

Another effective strategy is implementing conservation drainage practices, particularly in regions with substantial tile drainage, such as the Midwest. Conservation drainage aims to minimize nutrient loads in drainage water while maintaining adequate drainage for crop production. This can be achieved through drainage system design modifications, utilizing woodchip bioreactors, saturated buffers, and making adjustments to the drainage ditch system.

Ensuring year-round ground cover is another crucial aspect. By planting cover crops or perennial species, farmers can prevent periods of bare ground, reducing the vulnerability of the soil and nutrients to erosion and loss into nearby waterways. This helps to maintain soil health and minimize nutrient runoff.

Planting field buffers is an additional measure to consider. Establishing trees, shrubs, and grasses along field edges, especially those bordering water bodies, can effectively prevent nutrient loss. These buffers act as a natural filter, absorbing and trapping excess nutrients before they reach water bodies.

Furthermore, farmers can reduce the frequency and intensity of tilling their fields, a practice known as conservation tillage. This helps to improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and decrease the risk of nutrients reaching waterways through runoff. Conservation tillage techniques, such as reduced tillage and no-tillage, protect the soil surface using crop residues, enhancing soil health and minimizing nutrient loss.

Frequently asked questions