Part One - Background  |  Part Two - Summary  |  Part Three - Standards & Specifications  |  Map
Photos - Water Samples  |  Photos - Deep Soil Tests

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Nonpoint source pollution is the Nation's largest source of water quality problems. It is the main reason that approximately 40 percent of surveyed rivers, lakes, and estuaries are not clean enough to meet basic uses such as fishing or swimming. 

Nonpoint source pollution, unlike pollution from industrial activities and sewage treatment plants, comes from many diffuse sources.

Nonpoint source pollution is caused by rainfall or snow melt moving over and through the ground. The most common nonpoint source pollutants are soils and nutrients that storm water runoff picks up as it flows overland to rivers and streams; for example, runoff from agricultural land and other treated open spaces, urban developments, construction sites, roads, and bridges. Other common nonpoint source pollutants include pesticides, pathogens (bacteria and viruses), salt, oil, grease, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals.

Nonpoint source program - Section 319 of the Clean Water Act

Congress established the national nonpoint source program in 1987 when it amended the Clean Water Act with section 319, "Nonpoint Source Management Programs." States were to address nonpoint source pollution by
 

Conducting statewide assessments of their waters to identify those that are impaired (do not fully support state water quality standards) or threatened (currently meet water quality standards but are unlikely to continue to meet water quality standards fully) because of nonpoint sources. 

Developing nonpoint source management programs to address the impaired or threatened waters identified in nonpoint source assessments.

Implementing their EPA approved nonpoint source management programs over a multiyear time frame.

Each EPA region has a Nonpoint Source Coordinator, who is familiar with the nonpoint source programs in each of the states, territories, and tribes in that region and the 319 funding process that supports them. In Colorado, the Coordinator is located in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The States and EPA have established eight work groups to focus on nonpoint source topic-specific needs, including: watershed planning and implementation; rural nonpoint sources; urban nonpoint sources; nonpoint source grants management; nonpoint source capacity building and funding; information transfer and outreach; nonpoint source results; and nonpoint source monitoring. 

Local natural resource concerns identified by public

Yuma Conservation District programs are developed in response to local natural resource concerns, as identified in public meetings.  In a series of meetings, farmers and other individuals continued to identify water quality and quantity as top priorities, specifically, protection of groundwater in the Ogallala Aquifer.   The aquifer is the only source of water for irrigation, domestic, livestock, municipal, and industrial use. 

Water and Nutrient Management Proposal Written and Funded

With technical assistance from the State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Yuma Conservation District submitted a proposal for a nonpoint source project.  In June 2001, the State of Colorado awarded the Yuma Soil Conservation District $237,500 for its Water and Nutrient Management in Western Yuma County Project.  The project began July 1, 2002 and ended December 31, 2006.

A copy of the Final Report can be obtained electronically by E-mailing the Yuma Conservation District Manager. It will also be published online.

Part 2 - Project Summary

Sources and more information:
The Successful Implementation of the Clean Water Act's Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Program
Resources for Nonpoint Source Programs

Yuma Conservation District
Lynda Harper, Water and Nutrient Management Project Director
508 E. 8th Avenue, P.O. Box 116
Yuma, Colorado 80759