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	(From Virginia DCR's Nonpoint Source Pollution Awareness)
	What is Non-point Source (NPS) Pollution? Pollutant sources are usually classified as Point and Non-point. Pollution originating from a single source, such as a discharge pipe from a factory or sewage plant, is termed Point Source Pollution. Pollution which does not originate from a single source, or point, is termed Non-point Source Pollution (NPS). NPS pollution arises from many everday activities that take place in residential, commercial, and rural areas and is carried by stormwater runoff to streams. Examples of non-point source pollution include soil erosion from farm land and construction sites, rural and urban pesticide and fertilizer runoff, failing septic systems, animal waste, motor oil, antifreeze, and salt applied to roadways. When it rains, these items are washed from lawns, driveways, and roads into waterways by way of storm drains. Since storm drains empty directly into lakes, streams, and rivers; whatever washes into the street and will also enter local waterways. And finally, because concrete and asphalt don't absorb rainwater, runoff from urban and suburban areas is much greater than from undisturbed areas with adequate vegetation.

What homeowner activities contribute to Non-point Source (NPS) Pollution? Many everyday human activities contribute to non-point source pollution. If you can answer "yes" to any of the questions below, you, too, are contributing to non-point source pollution of your local watershed.

		Do you apply fertilizer before first performing a soil test for nutrients and pH?
		Do you use pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.) on a preventive basis?
		When you have leftover pesticide or fertilizer, do you ever pour the unused portion on the ground, on the sidewalk, into the street, down the toilet, or into the sink?
		When preparing pesticides or fertilizers for application, do you add a little extra thinking, "If a little is good, a lot must be better"?
		When preparing pesticides or fertilizers for application, do you estimate the proper amount instead of measuring carefully and accurately?
		Do you apply a pesticide before first identifying the source of the damage?
		Have you ever applied pesticide or fertilizer before a heavy rain?

It's easy to contribute to NPS pollution without intending to. Fortunately, there are many things homeowners can do to avoid or minimize their contribution to NPS pollution. See "Steps homeowners can take..." below.

Steps homeowners can take to help minimize the flow of Non-point Source (NPS) pollution. Listed below are some things you can do to avoid contributing to NPS pollution in your area. For more information on a topic, click the pink and blue checkbox .

		Fertilize your lawn and garden based on soil test results.
		Before making pesticide and fertilizer applications, check the weather forcast. Make applications when a heavy rain isn't likely to wash the pesticide or fertilizer into streets and storm drains.
		Apply pesticides according to instructions on the label. Don't guess about proper measurements when mixing pesticides and don't use more thinking the killing action will be stronger or work faster, it won't.
		Apply pesticides on an "as needed" basis. Make an accurate diagnosis of the insect, weed, or disease pest causing the damage before making a pesticide application. Make spot applications instead of broadcast applications.
		Collect litter and animal waste before they wash into storm drains.
		Recycle grass clippings and leaves by mulching or composting. If you can't compost, collect and dispose of yard waste according to local provisions.
		Try to limit your use of hazardous household products such as batteries, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, aerosols, oils, solvents, paint, antifreeze, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and cleaning fluids. When you do use these items, use them in accordance with their label instructions. Buy only what you need and use it all up. Consider sharing any unused or leftover products with a friend or neighbor. When disposing of household hazardous waste, contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office for guidance.
		If you change your own oil, take the used oil to a recycling station. Check with your local service station for such facilities. Never dump oil into a storm drain.
		Home septic tanks should be located, constructed and installed according to regulations. Maintenance and prompt correction of problems are important.
		Use porous surfaces such as flagstone, gravel, stone, and interlocking pavers rather than concrete and asphalt.
		Items such as leftover household cleaners, paint, pesticides, batteries and prescription medicines are just a few of the common, but hazardous, products we use every day. Leftovers of these items should be taken to a household hazardous waste depot. Your local cooperative extension office should be able to provide information on whether hazardous waste pickup services exist in your area.

	If you have comments or notice errors, please contact: Alexandra Spring, Project Manager, Dept. of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0319