Polluted Runoff: Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution

Equity and the Nonpoint Source Program

The national nonpoint source (NPS) program recognizes the importance of environmental justice (EJ) and is exploring how the program may expand investments for pollution reduction projects that ensure fair and equitable access to improved water quality.

The NPS Equity landing page includes more information on this effort, including program directives and resources from engaging with stakeholders.

New NPS Resources

CWSRF Best Practices Guide for Financing Nonpoint Source Solutions (pdf): This guide is designed to help the 51 state-level CWSRF programs apply best practices to address the challenge of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. 

Advancing Watershed Protection Through Land Conservation: A Guide for Land Trusts (pdf): This guide was released by the Healthy Watersheds Team to support watershed conservation. More information on the Healthy Watersheds Team and watershed protection can be found here.

Explore NPS Projects in a Watershed Near You!

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

• Green Streets 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)