You Are Here : Home / Services/ Public Utilities / About Public Utilities / Non-Point Source Pollution

Non-Point Source Pollution

Runoff diagram

Non-point source pollution is caused by storm water (rain or melting snow) which picks up contaminants as it travels and flows over land through the watershed.

As storm water travels over a variety of surfaces (yards, roof tops, driveways, parking lots & roadways) it picks up and carries anything in its path including litter, yard waste, oil, fertilizer, animal waste, brake fluid, and more. These pollutants drain, untreated, into local waterways. By taking simple steps at home, you can have a positive impact.

Illustration Courtesy of NCDENR

Keep it Clean

Simple steps you can take at home to prevent water pollution.

Take a Tour

Signage installed at Griggs, O'Shaughnessy & Hoover Reservoirs invites park visitors to take a self-guided tour along the shoreline & learn about the green infrastructure installed there.

Rain gardens, porous pavement & more can improve the quality of storm water entering the reservoirs that supply our drinking water.