Non-Point Source (NPS) Pollution

Non-Point Source (NPS) Pollution

Non-point source pollution results from the accumulation of pollutants over a broad area that are transported to receiving waters by stormwater runoff. The pollutants come from a variety of diffuse sources and activities that occur over the land, rather than at a single, identifiable location.

Example Pollutants

Types of NPS pollutants include:

• Nutrients - fertilizer and pesticides from lawns or farms
• Organic wastes - from manure and sewage
• Pathogens - bacteria and viruses
• Salt - from irrigation and acid-mine drainage
• Sediment - from erosion of bare soils
• Toxins - airborne chemicals, oils, and metals

Contact Us

If you have questions, comments, or want to report a stormwater or NPS pollution problem, please email Stormwater Management or call us at 540-772-2036.