Preventing Nonpoint Source Pollution

What is nonpoint source pollution?  It occurs when precipitation (rain or melting snow) carries both natural and human-made pollutants through the ground and into the water supply.  Nonpoint source pollution does not come from one measurable source and can also be described as the combination of all the pollution every person creates in their daily life - a little spill here, a few drips there.

According to the US EPA, both urban and suburban areas increase the amount of pollutants that are carried into our waters.  Hard surfaces, like pavement, prevent rain water and melting snow from seeping into the ground, thus creating a greatly increased volume of storm water runoff.  The most common pollutants "include: 

• Sediment
• Oil, grease and toxic chemicals from motor vehicles
• Pesticides and nutrients from lawns and gardens
• Viruses, bacteria and nutrients from pet waste and failing septic systems
• Road salts
• Heavy metals from roof shingles, motor vehicles and other sources
• Thermal pollution from dark impervious surfaces such as streets and rooftops

These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife populations, kill native vegetation, foul drinking water, and make recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant."

Our pollution prevention funnels and spouts are made with recycled plastic and are the perfect tools for combating nonpoint source pollution in your own backyard. The full line of pollution prevention products are designed to keep potentially harmful fluids, like motor oil or plant fertilizer, in the containers which they belong. Not only that, they make life a little bit easier by allowing for effortless pouring and spill-free fluid transfer.