Question

12) Why are non-point sources of water pollution harder to control then point sources? Give an example of a point and a non-point source.

Answer 1

Non point source (NPS) are sources that result in water pollution when multiple drainages are opwning into water bodies at a single time .

eg. Land runoffs , precipitation ,drainage ,seepage, urban runoffs that include contaminated stormwater washed off parking lots , roads ,highways, lawns ( often containing fertilisers and pesticides),etc.

In contrast point sources of water pollution results from single sources.

eg. drainage from factories , power plants, sewage treatment plants ,etc.

Non point sources are often difficult to regulate as compared to point sources of water pollution as it comes from everyday activities of many different people. Also it is not caused by an easily identified and regulated activity , therefore having no specific solution to rectify the problem.