Nonpoint sources

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution originates from diffuse land areas that intermittently contribute pollutants to surface and ground water. This article is a review of 1997 literature on several aspects of NPS pollution, including policy, economics, and management issues; effects and extent of pollutants in surface and ground water; pollution controls; and modeling and monitoring. Several publications addressed the broad topic of NPS pollution. Osmond, Line, et al. (1997) provided an overview of the Section 319 National Monitoring Program of the Clean Water Act. Under this program, selected watersheds around the country are monitored during a 6- to 10-year period to evaluate how implementation of best management practices (BMPs) leads to improved water quality. Proceedings from a national conference on NPS Pollution Information/Education Programs included papers on various education and outreach efforts aimed at adults and children for protecting water resources.