What is nonpoint source pollution? How does it get into the River system?
Good questions! Nonpoint source pollution simply means any source of pollution that cannot be traced back to a specific source or pipe. Examples include fertilizers, pesticides, motor oil, antifreeze, solvents, detergents and a variety of other common household products. Unfortunately, it is easy for pollutants to get into the River system. Some items are intentionally dumped, but most pollutants are transported into the river system by water runoff. Water runoff from rainfall, snowmelt and sprinklers travels overland and pollutants “hitch a ride” to the nearest storm drain, ditch or creek. From there, the polluted water enters the Huron River unfiltered and untreated. Sources of pollutants include excess fertilizer on lawns, automotive fluid leaks on drives and parking lots, litter, grass clippings, solvents and detergents. Even something that is considered an asset to you, such as fertilizer on lawns, becomes a pollutant once it enters the river system. Pollutants cause declines in w
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