Helena Joyce
Nonpoint source pollution is the largest remaining cause of water quality issues, and it can damage aquatic habitats, harm aquatic life, and reduce the capacity of water resources for drinking and recreation. It is caused by oil, pet waste, pesticides, fertilisers, road salt, bacteria, sediments, and other contaminants that end up on the ground and are washed into waterbodies by rainwater and snowmelt. Here are three ways to reduce nonpoint source pollution:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduce the use of chemicals in your yard | Wash your car on the lawn or gravel instead of on a driveway or take it to a car wash |
| Dispose of used oil, antifreeze, paints, and other household chemicals properly | Do not dispose of these items in storm sewers or drains |
| Pick up after your pets | Pet waste contributes to nutrient and E. coli nonpoint source pollution |
| Use low-phosphorus fertilizers | Minimizes the impact on water quality |
| Use porous pavement for driveways | Allows stormwater to soak through and infiltrate into the ground |
| Plant streamside trees | Keeps water temperature cool, filters out pollutants, and stabilizes streambanks |
| Use retaining fences and buffer strips | Prevents contaminants from entering aquatic environments |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce the use of chemicals in your yard
Reducing the use of chemicals in your yard is an important step towards minimizing non-point source pollution. This type of pollution arises from a range of sources, including oil, pet waste, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and more. While it may seem convenient to use chemical products to address issues in your yard, they often come with unintended consequences. Here are some ways to reduce chemical usage and foster a healthier, more sustainable outdoor space:
Test Your Soil and Amend with Organic Fertilizers:
Before applying any fertilizers, test your soil to understand which nutrients are lacking. Opt for organic fertilizers and soil amendments to enhance soil health and promote plant growth. Organic fertilizers are typically less harmful than synthetic alternatives, which can contaminate soil, water, and air, and harm plants, animals, and people.
Encourage Natural Pest Control:
Reframe your perspective on pests and recognize that not all insects are harmful. In fact, the vast majority are beneficial. Encourage natural pest control by inviting pest predators to your garden. Install birdhouses and bat boxes, and consider hand-picking pests or using traps and insect vacuums. If pesticides are absolutely necessary, opt for the least toxic options, such as organic botanicals or essential oils.
Choose Native Plant Species:
Select native plant species that are adapted to the growing conditions of your yard, including soil type and local climate. Native species are generally more resistant to native pests and require less maintenance. They are also better suited to withstand local climate conditions, reducing the need for additional watering or chemical interventions.
Maintain Healthy Soil:
Focus on keeping your soil healthy and nutrient-rich. Healthy soil promotes plant vigor and helps limit pests and diseases. Avoid leaving bare soil exposed, as this can lead to erosion and increase the temptation to use chemical interventions. Leave grass clippings after mowing to act as a natural mulch and return nutrients to the soil.
Consider Alternative Weed Management:
Instead of relying on chemical herbicides, opt for alternative methods to manage weeds. For example, use a rotating stirrup hoe to clip the heads of young weeds, preventing them from resprouting. Choose disease-resistant vegetable varieties and rotate crops annually to disrupt insect life cycles and reduce pest pressures.
By implementing these practices, you can effectively reduce the use of chemicals in your yard, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment while also minimizing non-point source pollution.
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Manage nonpoint source pollution from boating and marinas
Boating and marinas can be a source of nonpoint source pollution, which can have a range of adverse effects on aquatic life and ecosystems. Nonpoint source pollution from boating and marinas can be managed by implementing a variety of strategies and practices.
Firstly, it is important to address the potential sources of pollution within boating and marina operations. Fueling and maintenance activities are significant sources of pollution. To mitigate this, marinas should regularly inspect fueling areas, promptly recover spills, and ensure proper disposal of residues. Additionally, all employees should be trained in pollution reduction practices. Routine maintenance operations, such as oil changes, winterization, and painting, should be conducted in designated areas away from water, with runoff containment systems in place, to prevent pollutants from entering the water.
Secondly, the use of nontoxic and environmentally friendly cleaning products is essential. Many boat cleaners contain chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and phosphates, which can be harmful to aquatic life, including plankton and fish. By choosing nontoxic alternatives, boaters can reduce the impact of their cleaning practices on the environment.
Thirdly, proper marina planning and design can play a crucial role in reducing nonpoint source pollution. Marina fueling and sewage collection stations should be strategically designed and maintained to facilitate spill cleanup and minimize environmental impacts. The final marina design should aim for a balance between capacity, services, access, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the physical alteration of shorelines, wetlands, and aquatic habitats during construction and operation should be carefully considered to avoid the destruction of sensitive ecosystems.
Lastly, public education and outreach are vital components of managing nonpoint source pollution from boating and marinas. The boating community should be informed about the potential environmental impacts of their activities and encouraged to adopt clean boating habits. This includes proper waste disposal, responsible refueling practices, and the use of nontoxic cleaning products. By working together, boaters, marina operators, and environmental organizations can minimize the impact of boating and marinas on aquatic ecosystems and protect water quality.
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Use porous pavement to reduce stormwater runoff
Nonpoint source pollution is the largest remaining cause of water quality issues, with contaminants entering water sources from oil, pet waste, pesticides, herbicides, and other sources. Urbanization exacerbates the problem, as natural land covers are replaced with impervious surfaces like parking lots and streets, causing increased flooding, erosion, and pollution.
One effective solution to combat nonpoint source pollution is the use of porous pavement. Porous pavement, also known as permeable pavement, is a porous urban surface that allows stormwater to infiltrate and drain through it, reducing the volume of runoff. This type of pavement acts as a natural sponge, absorbing and slowly releasing precipitation and surface runoff into the soil below.
The benefits of porous pavement are significant. Firstly, it helps to reduce flooding by retaining a large portion of rainfall and controlling the rate at which water enters the drainage system. This is particularly advantageous in areas with a high risk of flooding due to climate change or intense rainfall. Secondly, porous pavement improves water quality by trapping sediments, pollutants, and contaminants that would otherwise wash into water bodies. This filtration process helps to maintain the ecological health of aquatic habitats and protects aquatic life from harm.
Additionally, porous pavement can promote chemical breakdowns caused by bacteria and microorganisms that feed on contaminants. This natural filtration process further enhances the quality of stormwater runoff. The use of porous pavement also encourages natural growth and vegetation, which can help regulate water temperature and protect banks from erosion.
While the upfront costs of installing porous pavement may be higher, it can lead to long-term cost savings by improving stormwater management and reducing the need for expensive drainage infrastructure. Furthermore, the thickness and composition of the pavement can be tailored to local soil conditions and average rainfall patterns, optimizing its effectiveness in reducing runoff.
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Use low-phosphorus fertiliser to minimise impact on water quality
Non-point source pollution is the largest remaining cause of water quality problems, and it can harm aquatic habitats, aquatic life, and drinking water supplies. One way to reduce non-point source pollution is to use low-phosphorus fertiliser to minimise its impact on water quality.
Phosphorus is a common ingredient in fertilisers that helps plants grow. However, when too much fertiliser is applied or when it is applied at the wrong time, such as right before it rains, most of it is washed away and ends up in local waterways. This type of pollution is called non-point source pollution and it causes eutrophication, a reduction in dissolved oxygen in water bodies due to an increase in minerals and organic nutrients. This reduction in oxygen levels ends up suffocating fish.
Indiana's soil, for example, naturally contains enough phosphorus for established lawns. Using a fertiliser with low or no phosphorus will keep lawns green and minimise the impact on water quality. Starter fertiliser should only be used when growing grass from seeds. When applying fertilisers, it is important to follow the directions on the package to avoid over-application or sloppy application, which can lead to fertiliser washing from lawns into storm drains.
To further reduce the impact of phosphorus on water quality, farmers can adopt practices that limit runoff from their fields soon after fertiliser application. This includes reducing the rate of manure application and covering a larger area within a watershed to decrease the potential for runoff. Additionally, maintaining buffer strips around water resources where no phosphorus is applied can help prevent excess phosphorus from reaching water sources.
By using low-phosphorus fertilisers and implementing proper application and management practices, we can minimise the impact of phosphorus on water quality and help protect aquatic ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
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Maintain your septic tank to prevent leaks
Maintaining your septic tank is critical to preventing leaks and protecting groundwater, lakes, streams, and human health. Here are some detailed steps to maintain your septic tank and prevent leaks:
Inspect and Pump Frequently
Regular septic tank inspections and pumping are crucial to maintaining a healthy septic system. It is recommended to have your septic tank inspected by a licensed contractor every three years and pumped as needed, generally every three to five years. During an inspection, a septic service provider will check for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your tank. It is important to keep records of these inspections and pumping services, noting any repairs completed and the condition of the tank.
Efficient Water Use
Water conservation is essential for maintaining a healthy septic system. Efficient water use reduces the risk of system malfunctions and improves its overall operation. Spread out your water usage throughout the day and week, and try to stagger the use of water-generating appliances. High-efficiency toilets, faucet aerators, and water-efficient products can also help reduce the amount of water entering your septic system.
Proper Waste Disposal
It is important to be mindful of what you dispose of through your septic system. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or household chemicals down the drain or toilet, as these can harm the healthy bacteria in your septic tank and drainfield that help break down organic matter. Properly dispose of food, coffee grounds, and other waste. Keep grease in a container to harden before discarding it in the trash. Minimize the use of harsh cleaners, bleach, antibacterial soaps, and detergents, as these can also disrupt the natural balance of your septic system.
Maintain Your Drainfield
The drainfield is a critical component of your septic system, responsible for removing contaminants from the liquid that emerges from the septic tank. To maintain your drainfield, do not park or drive on it, and keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from the area. Plant trees and shrubs at a safe distance from your drainfield to prevent roots from growing into your septic system. A septic service professional can advise you on the proper distance, depending on your specific system and landscape.
Regular Maintenance and Evaluation
Regular maintenance and evaluation of your septic system are essential to ensuring it effectively treats sewage. Look for signs of a faulty or poorly functioning system, such as leaks or backups. Consult septic service professionals for guidance on specific maintenance tasks and to address any concerns promptly.
By following these steps, you can effectively maintain your septic tank, prevent leaks, and play your part in reducing non-point source pollution.
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