General Information on NPS Pollution in BC

Water Quality

General Information on Non-Point Source Pollution in BC

Introduction > Ground Water Protection > Education and Outreach > Stewardship > Organizations

Introduction

In order for agencies, stewardship groups and individuals to start making changes to reduce non-point source water pollution they need to have access to appropriate information and resources. This section provides general information and tools for stakeholders. Substances such as ammonia, nitrate, metals, pesticides and a variety of organic toxins can poison humans, livestock, wildlife, and aquatic organisms. Some toxins cause cancer. Substances such as ammonia, nitrate, metals, pesticides and a variety of organic toxins can poison humans, livestock, wildlife, and aquatic organisms. Some toxins cause cancer.

Ground Water Protection

Over 750,000 British Columbians depend on ground water for their drinking water supply which accounts for nearly one-quarter (23%) of the total ground water consumption across Canada. The demand for potable water in this province is increasing as a result of population growth, increased industrial and commercial demands, and to some degree in response to the occurrence of waterborne diseases caused by micro-orgnisms, such as cryptosporidium and giardia, in surface water supplies.

Although the quality of ground water in BC is generally excellent, there are some local areas where water quality degradation is occurring. A significant percentage of the ground water aquifers in BC are shallow and highly vulnerable to contamination, including that from non-point sources.

The information in this section is provided to help protect ground water quality from non-point source pollution.

Ground Water, Ministry of Environment

The British Columbia Ground Water Association

Canadian Ground Water Association

National Drinking Water Clearinghouse

Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water, US Environmental Protection Agency

Well Protection Toolkit — Water Protection Section, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

Education and Outreach

Because NPS water pollution originates from the combined actions of many individual citizens and businesses, their close involvement and support in addressing NPS pollution is absolutely essential. However, many people are not well informed about the water quality impacts that can result from certain behaviours such as pouring used oil onto the ground, or by over-applying fertilizers to their lawns and gardens. First, people must be made more aware of the environmental risks associated with these types of activities and given information on environmentally-safe alternatives. Second, the public and local authorities must be convinced that pollution prevention is far better in terms of effectiveness and cost than pollution regulation and after-the-fact clean-up.

Education is the key to long-term change in behaviour. Environmental education for all ages and across all key business sectors can get at the causes of NPS water pollution. Attitudes can be shifted that produce life-long changes in individual consumption patterns and ways of doing everyday things.

Videos and Brochures

	Clean Water...It Starts With You — Nonpoint Source Pollution		Clean Water...It Starts With You — Urban Runoff

	Clean Water...It Starts With You — Agriculture		Clean Water...It Starts With You — Onsite Sewage Systems

	Clean Water...It Starts With You — Pleasure Boating		Non-Point Source Pollution: Out of Sight — Not Out of Mind! Sixteen minute video outlining NPS pollution and solutions.

Septic System Maintenance Pure & Simple — video and brochure. Video is approximately 20 minutes. Conventional gravity flow septic systems are discussed including what can go wrong and warning signs that indicate a failing system. Also discussed are the do's and don'ts for the preventative maintenance of sewage disposal systems. For more information contact Fraser Health Authority.

www.groundwater.protection
Thirty minute video on ground water. Topics include: what is ground water; why is it important; how it gets contaminated; and how people can help protect the resource. Copies of the video are available for free viewing from BC Public Libraries, local health agencies, Environment Canada Regional Libraries and Health Canada Offices. To purchase a copy contact the BC Ground Water Association.

Washington State NPS Posters — for more information contact the Washington State Water Quality Program.