Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Plan

Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Plan

  • Submitted By: momsdebomb
  • Date Submitted: 03/06/2009 3:07 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 1214
  • Page: 5
  • Views: 1028

Nonpoint source water pollution is a problem that each of us contribute to daily. Polluted runoff continues to affect negatively our ocean water’s ability to maintain its viability as a natural water resource. Action needs to be taken to manage and sustain the ocean’s water source. Because this is a worldwide problem, we must start small within our own communities. I will outline a plan for my neighborhood that will describe community involvement that is proactive in curbing water pollution.
Simply stated, nonpoint source water pollution is runoff from land that collects harmful substances from the land that eventually makes its way into rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans. Runoff from urban areas is a major source of runoff. In urban areas, most of the ground is covered with concrete or other nonporous surfaces. When rainwater travels across the surface, it picks up pollutants and eventually finds its way to the ocean. This water is untreated and is harmful to the natural ocean environment (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, 2008).
Other sources of runoff occur in agricultural, forestry, and boating operations. In agriculture, pet waste and chemicals used on crops do not get fully absorbed into the soil. When it rains, the water carries these pollutants into nearby waters. In forestry, erosion occurs when there are not any trees to protect the ground. Rainwater causes the ground to erode, leaving sediment on the ground. This eventually finds its way to streams and is harmful to water animals and plants. Boating pollutes our oceans from improper waste water treatment that is emptied into the ocean. In addition, spillage from oil and gasoline from the vessels pollutes the ocean (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2009).
Not only does nonpoint source water pollution affect our oceans, it also contributes to eutrophication in local streams and lakes. Eutrophication is a result of too much nitrogen or phosphorus that...

Similar Essays