Nonpoint Sources of Pollution

A nonpoint source (NPS) of pollution is defined as any water pollution coming from a diffused source. Whereas point pollution sources such as wastewa-ter from sewage or industries are discharged on a single location, NPSs can spread over a very large area where rain, irrigation, or snowmelt can carry pollutants and discharge them in streams, lakes, reservoirs, or coastal waters. These pollutants can be carried either over the ground through surface runoff or below the ground surface through seepage. Depending on their type, these pollutants can be carried over large distances and have a drastic effect on water quality.