Water, Air and Climate Change Branch

WATER QUALITY

Clean Water...It Starts with You

Nonpoint Source Pollution

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We depend on clean water. Not only does it provide a home for plants and animals, and drinking water for people, but it provides recreation, tourism and job opportunities. Many of us don't realize how our daily activities affect the water quality in our local marine and fresh water bodies.

Did You Know?

• If you live in an area with storm drains... when you wash your car, the soapy water and debris can run off your driveway into a storm drain that empties directly into local water bodies.
• If you have an onsite sewage system such as a septic system... that is not properly sized, constructed or maintained, the drainfield can become plugged which can cause partially treated wastewater to surface on your lawn or in ditches which lead to local water bodies.
• If you live on a farm or ranch... livestock manure, sediments and improperly applied pesticides and fertilizers can contaminate local water bodies.
• If you are a boater... the dumping of sewage, leaking fuel and oil and using toxic cleaning products can threaten water quality, especially near the shoreline.

These are just a few examples of nonpoint source pollution. It is different from point source pollution which comes from well defined sources, such as a sewage pipe or industry pipe. Nonpoint source pollution comes from many places. It's not easy to identify or control, and all of us, often without knowing, contribute to it. Although progress has been made in reducing nonpoint and point source pollution, nonpoint source pollution remains a leading threat to water quality in BC.

It All Adds Up

Small amounts of nonpoint source pollution from each one of us may not seem to be a problem. But the combined effects of pollutants from almost four million British Columbians is threatening our clean water resources. Closed beaches, contaminated shellfish beds, fish kills and unsafe drinking water are just some of the environmental impacts.

We can reduce nonpoint source pollution. You can make a difference as an individual or by joining or forming a community stewardship group which cares for a local waterbody. The inside panel provides ideas for changing some of our daily activities which can affect water quality. For more tips, refer to BC Environment's (Water, Land and Air Protection's) CLEAN WATER brochure series focussing on urban runoff, onsite sewage systems, agriculture and boating.

Clean Water...It starts with you!

Nonpoint Source Pollution

• Urban Runoff
  Pet wastes, yard debris, paints, vehicle emissions, used or unwanted motor vehicle fluids, car-washing residues, oil and grease from driveways, litter, fertilizers, pesticides and household hazardous chemicals are some urban pollutants that can be carried by water running over land and paved surfaces. This water can flow into storm drains and reach local waterbodies, without being treated in any way.
• Onsite Sewage Systems
  Onsite sewage systems which are not properly maintained can cause drainfields to become plugged and cause partially treated wastewater to surface on your lawn and/or flow to nearby waterbodies. Wastewater from improperly constructed or located sewage systems can also pollute ground water.
• Agriculture
  Fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, along with parasites and bacteria from livestock waste, can run off farmland and pollute surface water or seep into the ground and pollute ground water. Livestock movement near and in streams can erode stream banks and destroy fish habitat.
• Boating
  Sewage, garbage, dishwater, cleaning and refinishing products and fuel leaks from boats can all damage water quality.
  

A Few Tips to Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution

Around your home

• Regularly check and repair fluid leaks from your vehicle. Recycle used oil and antifreeze.
• Reduce or eliminate use of fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn and garden. If you must use them, do so sparingly and follow instructions carefully.
• Reduce your use of household hazardous products and use less harmful alternatives when you can. Do not dispose of them into storm drains — if possible, take them to recycling or collection centres.
  
  

For Onsite Sewage System Users

• Have your sewage system inspected and pumped out regularly.
• Don't put solids or toxic chemicals down the drain and avoid using garburators.
• Don't over-water the lawn, allow vehicular traffic or put heavy objects on the septic field.

For Boaters

• Don't release sewage in marinas, bays or inlets; store it in holding tanks or portable toilets. Use pump-out stations where available or only release sewage in open waters.
• Use water, a scrub brush and biodegradable products to clean your boat instead of chemical cleaners.
• Keep motors well maintained to prevent fuel and lubricant leaks.

Around Your Farm or Ranch

• Reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. If you must use them follow instructions and provincial application guidelines carefully. Consider using natural pest control methods.
• Construct adequate manure storage facilities and follow manure spreading guidelines.
• Prevent damage of areas along streams through fencing or providing restricted access to livestock.

Our Actions All Add Up!

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updated: September 17, 2001