Watershed - 319

Watershed - Section 319 - Nonpoint Source Program

Nonpoint source pollution, unlike pollution from industrial activities and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources. Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water. These pollutants may be:

• Excess fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural lands and residential areas;
• Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production;
• Sediment from unprotected construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding stream banks;
• Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned mines;
• Bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems. 

2005 Supplement to the NPS Management Program

FY 2005 Annual Report

2000 Nonpoint Source Management Program

Additional Information - NPS Colorado