Contaminants
- Point Sources- localized, signle identifiable source of pollution
- Non-point sources- less obvious than Point Sources, but they are responsible for a whopping 96% of water quality impairments throughout Pennsylvania!
According to PA DEP, the overwhelming majority of impaired watersheds are polluted by nonpoint sources, including acid mine drainage, atmospheric deposition, improperly operating on-lot sewage systems (septic systems), earth moving, stream hydro-modification, improper timber harvesting, and more.
Point Sources include:
- Agricultural Operations
- Waste Water Treatment Plant discharge sites
- Auto repair shops
- Medical Facilities
- Construction company sites
- Golf courses and other large grassy areas, such as business, school and university campuses
- Underground storage tanks
Some Non-Point Sources to be considered include:
- Agricultural areas
- Roads and highways
- Railways
- Pipeline systems
- Commercial properties
- Residential properties and development
- Septic Systems (onlot wastewater systems)
Emerging Contaminants
Many drinking water contamination problems arise from people’s everyday activities. Contaminants can be introduced into ground water, rivers, lakes, and streams from a variety of sources: septic tanks and cesspools; surface impoundments; agricultural activities; landfills; lawn care and gardening; underground storage tanks; abandoned wells; accidents; storm water systems; illegal dumping; and highway de-icing are examples.
http://www.sourcewaterpa.org/?page_id=11.