Non-point pollution is created when rain falls to the earth or snow melts --- and the water runs across fields or pavement, taking with it topsoil, bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, oil, and many other toxic or harmful materials.   This land run-off pollution has received the awkward name of  "non-point" because it is the opposite of a direct pipe or "point" pollution discharge.
 

Non-point pollution runs into most bodies of water across the world.  The runoff is created in everyday, normal occurrences: such as working on one’s car and running the car, fertilizing lawns and farm fields, construction of roads and buildings, plowing farm fields, and maintaining roads during the wintertime.  Non-point  pollution is one of the most hazardous causes of water pollution in our area. In Wisconsin, more than 40% of streams, 90% of inland lakes, many of Wisconsin's Great Lakes harbors and wetlands, and substantial areas of groundwater have been affected by runoff pollution; which in turn causes harm to fish and other aquatic life, destroys habitats, reduces drinking water quality, and reduces the recreational and economic uses of our lakes and streams.  Most of this pollution is avoidable.  Clean Water Action Council is working to build awareness and respond to the problem.

The East River flows into theFox River in downtown  Green Bay.  Note the heavy load of muddy sediment  and other pollutants carried by the East River  currents.  (The Fox River mouth is to the  north, or left in this picture..)

Other Non-point Pollution Sections

• Agricultural Activities
• Farm Fields
• Livestock Manure and Trampling
• Urban Non-point
• Residential Runoff
• Industrial & Commercial Runoff
• Construction Runoff
• Top Ten Ways You Can Help Reduce Non-Point

* This non-point section was created with the assistance of Bobbie Cina, an Intern from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay.

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