Theme for 2017: Nonpoint Sources of Pollution

Celebrate Water Week by learning more about nonpoint sources of pollution and how you can help protect, restore and conserve water for the future!

Today’s topic:  Ways to Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollution

Did you know?

• Partnerships are key.  DEC is the lead agency in New York for the Federal Clean Water Act Section 319 program, but implementation is shared with the Departments of Agriculture and Markets, State, Health, and Transportation, along with the Soil and Water Conservation Committee and Environmental Facilities Corporation.  In addition, regional and local partnerships include county Soil and Water Conservation Districts, county health agencies, county and regional planning agencies, and watershed coalitions.
• Voluntary or required “Best Management Practices” are actions that help to improve and restore water quality.  They are pollution control systems that treat, slow, divert, or capture nonpoint source pollutants.  Examples include: green roofs, riparian buffers, street cleaning and stream stabilization projects.
• Many areas of the state have or are developing watershed-based clean water plans to improve or protect water quality.  Examples of clean water plans are: Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and Nine Key Element Watershed Plans.  These plans identify the water quality goal and the Best Management Practices that will help achieve the goal.

Test your water knowledge

What state law was enacted in 2010 to reduce the amount of phosphorus getting into New York’s waters?  (Answer is below)   

Learn more

On DEC’s website, you can find information about:

• Water Week, including the topics that will be covered the rest of the week
• Nonpoint Source Guidance and Technical Assistance, including the Best Management Practices catalogs and Stormwater Management Design Manual.
• New York’s Nonpoint Source Management Program (PDF, 367 KB), which identifies goals, objectives and a partnership approach for addressing NPS pollution.
• Water Quality Improvement Projects Program, which has funding available now for Best Management Practices.

Answers:  1) Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law. When fertilizing your lawn, use phosphorus-free fertilizer.  Phosphorus is one of the leading causes of water pollution.  Even if you live far from a water body, excess phosphorus from your lawn can wash off and pollute lakes and streams, harming fish and ruining boating and swimming.