Polluted Runoff: Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution

New NPS Resources
- Fact Sheet: The Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds (2026) (pdf) (2.52 MB, April 2026, EPA-841-F-26-001) This fact sheet compiles state-by-state evidence demonstrating the measurable economic returns of watershed protection across six benefit categories: drinking water treatment cost savings; natural hazard mitigation; recreation and tourism; subsistence hunting, fishing and foraging; quality of life and health; and property values.
- Tribal Water and Natural Resources Conservation Guide (pdf) (22.71 MB, December 2024, 851-B-24-001)
Explore NPS Projects in a Watershed Near You!

Winter 2024 updates to the public mapper include areas to view Tribal competitive grant project information and State Success Stories!

The Data Explorer is a useful tool for interested community members, local watershed partners, and other non-governmental stakeholders to understand the work being done in their watersheds to restore and protect water quality. The Data Explorer website can be found here or navigate to your watershed using the widget below!
Frequently Used & Technical Resources
- A Compendium of Tools and Methods to Estimate Environmental Benefits for Nature-Based Solutions (pdf) (1.61 MB, November 2024, 832-R-24-005)
- It's All Connected! Newly released info graphic highlighting impacts of dam removal.
- Clean Water SRF Best Practices Guide for Financing Nonpoint Source Solutions (pdf)
- Bioretention Design Handbook
- Saving the Rain: Green Stormwater Solutions for Congregations
- Green Infrastructure in Parks Guide
- Monitoring and Evaluating Nonpoint Source Projects
- The National Nonpoint Source Program Report (PDF)

Explore

Navigate directly to the NPS Project Explorer or enter a location in the widget below to learn about nonpoint source projects in the U.S.

Nonpoint Source pollution is...

caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and ground waters.

Learn About NPS Pollution