Define water pollution, point source, and nonpoint-source pollution. Explain which of the two (point source or nonpoint source) is more difficult to regulate and currently poses the greater threat to freshwater resources?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Water pollution is the contamination of a water source with chemicals or pathogens that could potentially harm humans and the environment. Water pollution can be emitted from point sources—single large sources such as a pipe from a factory—or from nonpoint sources—widely distributed small sources, such as farms, city streets, and residential neighborhoods. Many common activities give rise to nonpoint-source water pollution, including applying fertilizers and pesticides to lawns, applying salt to roads in winter, and changing automobile oil. Because nonpoint-source pollution is difficult to pinpoint and monitor, it is much more difficult to regulate, and it is nonpoint-source pollution that poses the greater threat to water quality in the United States.