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Overview:
Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is any source of pollution that does not meet the point source definition under the Clean Water Act. Nonpoint sources are runoff from rain or snow melt carrying natural and anthropogenic pollutants to waters, such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and groundwater. NPS areas of focus are driven by particular land uses. Under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, states, territories and Tribes must identify categories of sources of NPS pollution as part of an assessment report required for obtaining a Section 319(h) grant. The links below provide information on these source categories, and on practices to reduce the impacts of NPS pollution in each of those categories. This diagram illustrates examples of nonpoint and point source pollution along with elements of the hydrologic cycle. The links below provide information on these source categories, and on practices to reduce the impacts of NPS pollution in each of those categories.
Illustrations of nonpoint and point source pollution along with elements of the hydrologic cycle.
Developed by the EPA, Office of Water, Nonpoint Source Program
Download the above diagram in a screen-reader compatible format:
Sources of Pollution Diagram (pdf)
