Define water pollution, point source, and non-point source pollution. Which of the two (point source or non-point source) is easier to identify? Which is easier to legislate? Which currently poses the greater threat to fresh water?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The term pollution describes any matter or energy released into the environment, whether from human activity or from natural sources, that causes undesirable impacts on the health and well-being of humans or other organisms. Water pollution can be emitted from point sources—single locations such as a pipe from a factory—or can consist of nonpoint sources—multiple cumulative inputs over larger areas, such as farms, city streets, and residential neighborhoods. Point sources are easy to identify but sometimes difficult to regulate, especially if owners or supporters of industrial plants lobby politicians to pressure agencies not to enforce regulations. Non-point source pollution is difficult to pinpoint and presents a different type of societal challenge, requiring public education and the willingness of citizens to change certain behaviors. Non-point source pollution poses the greater threat to water quality in the United States. Many common activities give rise to non-point source water pollution, including applying fertilizers and pesticides to lawns, applying salt to roads in winter, and changing automobile oil. These activities are difficult to monitor and legislate, and they have a serious cumulative effect on our water resources.