Water Pollution
By: Trinity Smith
Ways to Prevent It
How Water Pollution Affects Our Health
State, National or Global Issues
The most common nonpoint pollutants are soil (sediment) and nutrients picked up by runoff as it flows over land to surface waters. These pollutants may come from agricultural land and other open spaces, urban areas, construction sites, roads, parking lots and other areas. Other common pollutants include pesticides, pathogens, salts, oil and grease. In Iowa, sediment is the leading nonpoint source pollutant. Most sediment in Iowa comes from agricultural practices, such as cropland tillage and livestock in pastures, woodlands and feedlots.