Nonpoint Source Pollution: Public Education

What Is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution results when small amounts of contaminants from a large number of sources are carried by rainfall runoff into streams, lakes, or bays. For example, pollutants may be washed off lawns, construction areas, farms, or highways during a heavy rain and carried to a nearby creek.

Use these materials in your community or in public outreach campaigns to educate people about NPS Pollution. Items with a publication number (such as GI-028) can be ordered from the TCEQ. 

Publications 

• Water Recycles Poster (GI-403): color poster (18" x 22") that illustrates steps in the water cycle and several human activities that affect water. Back of poster has narrative information on water as well as activities and puzzles.
• The Take Care of Texas Guide to Yard Care (GI-028): helps you maintain a healthy yard, save money, and take care of our state's varied landscapes.

• Water Education Field Guide(GI-026):Guide for engaging 4th to 8th grade students in hands-on field study of Texas waters.

The following other Take Care of Texas Guides offer more tips to help save time, money, and effort while conserving water and energy, keeping the air clean, and reducing waste in your yard:

• Mulching and Composting (GI-036): beginner's guide to mulching and composting at home.
• Rainwater Harvesting with Rain Barrels (GI-383): brief how-to guide to collecting rainwater to water your plants. Includes instructions on how to build your own rain barrel.
• Managing 10 Common Texas Yard Pests (GI-405): learn environmentally friendly ways to get rid of these 10 common Texas yard pests.
• Managing Lawn Problems in Texas (GI-407): brief guide to choosing your turf, managing your lawn, and solving common lawn problems.
• Landscape Irrigation (GI-409): brief guide to developing a water-efficient landscape, including tips on using good watering techniques and choosing irrigation systems.

Other Resources

• Storm Water Outreach Materials: materials and resources for citizens, state or local governments, and construction site operators to educate communities about storm water runoff.
• Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox:  collection of local and national outreach materials for use and sharing by citizens and local governments to educate communities about NPS pollution.

• Galveston Bay Estuary Program NPS of Pollution Action Plan: developed to reduce and eventually eliminate harm from nonpoint sources entering Galveston Bay.

• Southern Regional Water Program Pollution Assessment and Prevention:  provides research, education and extension outreach resources to assist natural resource agencies, industry, communities, private citizens, and non-profit organizations in assessing the risk and impact of NPS pollution on water quality as well as developing and promoting pollution prevention strategies for NPS pollution.

• EPA's SepticSmart: encourages homeowners to take steps to maintain their home septic systems, preventing costly repairs and pollution to local waterways. This national program also provides tools and materials for local and regional outreach programs.

For more information, e-mail us at educate@tceq.texas.gov.