Point vs. Non-Point Pollution
Point Pollution
Any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a pipe, ditch, ship or factory smokestack.
Non-Point Pollution
Pollution that can not be identified by a single source. Generally results from land runoff, precipitation, atmospheric deposition, drainage, seepage or hydrologic modification.
Ways to help decrease water pollution
- Never dumb liquid waste down sinks or drains
- Avoid using the toilet as a garbage can
- Avoid using the garbage disposal
- Minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers
- Install a water efficient toilet
Effects on Human Health
Infectious diseases can be spread through contaminated water. When humans drink tap water they can get sick. Drinking contaminated tap water while pregnant can cause birth defects.
Effects on Animal Health
Common sources of ocean litter include trash from cities, waste from landfills and containers accidentally thrown off into the sea during typhoons. All of these gather in large chunks, go with currents and end up washing ashore. Many marine mammals, fish and birds ingest the litter and suffer fatal consequences. Farms that use excessive pesticides and fertilizers produce chemical runoff that leaches into groundwater, waterways and streams and kills thousands of fish and insects.