Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution from Households

POLLUTION PREVENTION PRACTICES FOR 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, leaking toxic dumps and messy oil spills.  As a result, people often forget about water pollution caused by smaller non-point sources – especially pollution at the household level.

However, non-point source (NPS) pollution is the nation’s leading source of water degradation.  Although individual homes might contribute only minor amounts of NPS pollution, the combined effect of the entire neighborhood can be serious.  These include eutrophication, sedimentation and contamination with unwanted pollutants.  Eutrophication is the process where water bodies receive excess nutrients that stimulate excess plant growth.   To prevent and control NPS pollution, households can learn about causes of such pollution and take appropriate and often money saving steps to limit runoff and make sure runoff stays clean.

NPS pollution is widespread because it can occur anytime activities disturb land or water.  Agriculture, forestry, grazing, septic systems, recreational boating, urban runoff, construction, physical changes to waterway channels and habitat degradation are potential sources of NPS pollution.  Carless and uninformed household management also contributes to NPS pollution.

LIMIT PAVED SURFACES

Urban and suburban landscapes 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 storm drains at high speeds.  When quickly flowing runoff empties into receiving waterways, it can severely erode the waterway banks.  Paved surfaces also transfer heat to runoff, thereby increasing the temperature of receiving waters.  Native species of aquatic life cannot survive in these warmer waters.

To limit NPS pollution from paved surfaces, households can substitute alternatives to areas traditionally covered by nonporous surfaces.  Grasses and natural ground cover can be an attractive and practical substitute for asphalt driveways, walkways and patios.  Some homes effectively incorporate a system of natural grasses, trees and mulch to limit continuous impervious surface area.  Wooden deck, gravel or brick paths and rock gardens keep the natural ground cover intact and allow rainwater to slowly seep into the ground.

LANDSCAPING 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 chemicals into the path of runoff.  In contrast, xeriscape landscaping provides households with a framework that can dramatically reduce the potential for NPS pollution.  Xeriscape is a philosophy of conservation of water through creative landscaping

Xeriscape incorporates many environmental factors into landscape design-soil type, use of native plants, practical turf areas, proper irrigation, mulches and appropriate maintenance schedules.  By using native plants that are well-suited to a regions climate and pests, xeriscape drastically reduces the need for irrigation and chemical applications.  Less irrigation results in less runoff, while fewer chemical applications keep runoff clean.

Proper Septic System Management

Malfunctioning or overflowing septic systems release bacteria and nutrients into the water cycle, contaminating nearby waterways and ground water.  Septic systems must be built in the right place.  Trampling ground above the system compacts soil so it can cause system pipes to collapse.  Also, septic systems should be located 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 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 technologies provide long-term economic and environmental benefits.

PROPER CHEMICAL USE, STROAGE AND DISPOSAL

Household cleaners, grease, oil, plastics and some food or paper products 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 alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides and apply no more than the recommended amounts.  Natural predators like insects and bats, composting and the use of native plants can reduce or entirely negate the need for chemicals.  Xeriscape can limit chemical applications to lawns and gardens.

If chemicals are needed around the home, they should be stored properly to prevent leaks and access by children.  Most cities have designated sites for the proper disposal of unused chemicals.

This information was taken from the NYSEPA website.  Additional stormwater information can be obtained by visiting http://www.epa.gov