What is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

Nonpoint source pollution, also known as polluted runoff, occurs when rainfall flows over and through the land picking up contaminates such as sediment, nutrients, or bacteria. These pollutants are then carried by streams or storm sewers to our lakes, river, wetlands, coastal waters, and ground waters. Nonpoint source pollution is contrasted with point source pollution where discharges occur to a body of water at a single location, such as from industry or wastewater treatment plant discharge pipes.