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Point sources of water pollution are
locations where specific pollutants are discharged directly into
lakes, streams, estuaries, and coastal waters via pipes and other
discernable conduits. Point sources include industries, power
plants, and sewage treatment facilities.
Nonpoint source pollution is generated from broad land
areas, and pollutants are delivered to water bodies via stormwater
and snowmelt runoff. This type of pollution contaminates both
surface water and groundwater resources. It generally takes several
runoff events to transport pollutants from their sources to receiving
waters.
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Polluted
runoff from impervious urban surfaces, commonly referred to as urban
nonpoint source pollution, causes serious local water quality problems.
The contributions of nonpoint source pollution to poor water quality
become more apparent as point source discharges are reduced or eliminated.
