United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
(4503F) "
EPA-841-F-96-OD4J
Marchit 996
Nonpoint Pointers
Understanding and managing nonpoint source pollution in your community
Managing Nonpoint
Source Pollution
from Households
The well-known stories about environmental problems tend to focus on
big, recognizable targets such as smoking industrial facilities, leakingrtoxic
waste dumps, and messy oil spills. As a result, people often forgetabout
water pollution caused by "smaller nonpoint sources^—especially pollution at
the household level. 7 '"' _ ,~ •-..',..
However, nonpoint source iNPS) pollution is the Nation's leading source -
of water quality degradation. Although individual homes might contribute
only minor amounts of NFS pollution, the combined effect of ah entire
neighborhood can be serious. These include eutrophication, sedi-
mentation, and contamination
with unwanted pollutants.
To prevent and control NFS
pollution, households can-learn
about the causes of such pollution
"and take the appropriate (and- „
often money-saving) steps to limit
runoff and make sure runoff stays
By preventing water from
percolating down into the
ground, paved surfaces cause -
runoff to collect and funnel into
storm drains at high speeds,
.which can result in severe
streanibank erosion when it
reaches'the receiving waters.
clean;
Limit Paved Surfaces
Urban and suburban land-
scapes are covered by paved
surfaces like sidewalks, parking
lots, roads, and driveways. They prevent water from percolating down into.
the ground, cause runoff to accumulate, and funnel into-stormdrains at
high speeds. When quickly flowing runoff .empties mto receiving waters, it
can severely erode streambanks. Paved surfaces also transfer heat to runoff,
thereby increasing the temperature of receiving waters. Native_species of
fish and other aquatic life cannot survive in these,warmer waters.
To limit NFS pollution from paved surfaces households clan substitute
alternatives to areas traditionally covered by"nonporous surfaces. Grasses
and natural ground cover, for example, can be attractive and "practical
substitutes for asphalt driveways, walkways, and patios. Some homes ;
effectively incorporate a system of natural grasses, trees, and mulch to limit
^withx§r * t . ^ >• -S-i .-. . TC, »•
natural
(wto«
J',
NFS pollution occurs when
water runs over land or through
the ground, picks up pollutants,'
and deposits them in surface
waters or introduces them into
ground water.
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RELATED PUBLICATIONS
» Additional fact sheets in the
Nonpoint Pointers series
(EPA-841-F-96-004)
• Clean Water in Your Water-
shed, Terrene Institute,
Washington, DC, 1993
• Cleaner Water Through
Conservation (EPA-841-B-
95-002)
• Handle With Care, Terrene
Institute, Washington, DC,
1991
• The Quality of Our Nation's
Water: 1994 (EPA-841-S-95-
004)
* Xeriscape Landscaping:
Preventing Pollution and
Using Resources Efficiently
(EPA-840-B-93-001)
To order any of the above EPA
documents call or fax the
National Center for Environmen-
tal Publications and Information.
Tel (513)489-8190
Fax (III! 489-8695 " '
FOR MOREINFORMATION
U,S. Environmental Protection
-Agency '.'.'... '_ '-"'""
Nonpoint Source Control Branch
Washington DC 20460
Internet Address:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/
index.html
continuous impervious surface area. Wooden decks, gravel or brick paths,
and rock gardens keep the natural ground cover intact and allow rainwater
to slowly seep into the ground. ,
Landscape With Nature
Altering the natural contours of yards during landscaping and planting "
with non-native plants that need fertilizer and extra water can increase the
potential for higher runoff volumes, increase erosion, and introduce chemi-
cals into the path of runoff. In contrast, xeriscape landscaping provides
households with a frame work-that can dramatically reduce, the potential for_
NFS pollution. ;,...• :
Xeriscap'e incorporates many environmental factors into landscape
design—soil type, use of native plants, practical turf areas, proper irrigation,
mulches, arid appropriate maintenance schedules. By using native plants
that are well-suited to a region's climate and pests, xeriscape drastically
reduces the need for irrigation and chemical applications. Less irrigation
results in less runoff, while less chemical application keeps runoff clean. _
Proper Septic System Management
Malfunctioning or overflowing septic systems release bacteria and
nutrients into the water cycle, contaminating nearby lakes, streams, and
estuaries, and ground water. Septic systems must be built in the right place.
Trampling ground above the system cojnpacts soil and can cause the
system's pipes to collapse. Also, septic systems should bejocated away from
trees because tree roots can crack pipes or obstruct the flow of wastewater
through drain lines. Proper septic system management is also important,
and a system should be inspected and emptied every 3 to 5 years. - .-
By maintaining water fixtures and by purchasing water-efficient
showerheads, faucets, and toilets, households can limit wastewater levels,
reducing the likelihood of septic system overflow Most water, conservation";
technolpgies provide long-term economic arid environmental benefits.
Proper Chemical Use, Storage, and Disposal
Household cleaners, grease, oil, plastics, and some food or paper prod-
ucts should not be flushed down drains or washed down the street. Over
time chemicals can corrode septic system pipes and might not be completely
removed during the filtration process. Chemicals poured down the drain
can also interfere with the chemical and biological breakdown of the wastes
in. the septic tank.
On household lawns and gardens, homeowners can try natural alterna-
Ttql^miSneffiEzers^^ pesticides jjncl. apply no more than the ^
~~" "TpreSatpK'nkTinsectearTdEats', •.
itlfely negate tire need
i to lawns and
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