Activity Books Understanding Water Activity Book | Page 45

Nonpoint source pollution, also called runoff
pollution, comes from many different sources. There
are many possible sources of the dirty “stuff” in
streams and lakes. For example, each time it rains,
runoff from streets picks up litter, motor oil, pet
(animal) waste, leaves, grass clippings and spilled
chemicals. These things are washed into storm drains
and make their way to our rivers and streams.
Nonpoint source pollution (NPS) is also runoff
from rainfall and snowmelt moving over and through
the ground. The runoff carries natural and human-made
pollutants into lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and
other water systems.
Nonpoint source pollution existed even before
people started building roads, houses and businesses.
Heavy rains carry dirt, soil and other things into rivers
and streams.
Circle the items that can pollute water.
SOIL MOTOR OIL BOTTLES
PAINT LITTER PET WASTE
GASOLINE LEAVES CHEMICALS
CANS ABANDONED CARS

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