Point vs. Nonpoint Pollution

Both point and nonpoint sources of pollution present challenges in the modern day Hudson River. Point sources are well-defined sources of pollution, and in the case of the Hudson this includes sewage and industrial outflow pipes, and other on shore facilities that pump material into the river. Nonpoint sources are less defined and could include runoff from industrial, residential, agricultural, or urban areas. The challenges presented by each source type of pollution are unique, in that they must be addressed and enforced through different means.


Point sources are more specific and identifiable, and can therefore be regulated through legislative action (water discharge quality standards, pollution limits, discharge rate limitations). As most point sources are either industrial or municipal, setting restrictions through legislative means is practical and simple in concept, however this same legislative system can bog down these actions with appeals and time-consuming studies and impact statements. When examining BOD5 (biological oxygen demand) levels, which are are associated with pollution input, point sources account for approximately 36% of total input. In comparison, nonpoint sources account for approximately 44%.

Nonpoint sources present their own challenges, specifically they are harder to regulate due to their unspecified origin. While it is feasible to trace the source of runoff contaminants, it is not practical on a large-scale. It is possible to create laws restricting actions that contribute to runoff pollution (such as agricultural or residential over-fertilizing), however enforcing these laws is not always practical or effective. Where I'm from- the Chesapeake Bay watershed area- actions such as legislation regarding agricultural waste and residential-aimed public service announcements have been used to combat rising runoff pollution in the Bay. What the chicken industry does with it's animal waste is now being reevaluated (shipped out of the watershed area as opposed to being spread on watershed-area fields), and residents are urged to be sparing with their lawn fertilizer and to apply it in the fall (as opposed to the rainy spring season). The significant pollution contributions to the Hudson from nonpoint sources should serve as a reminder that not all water quality issues are the fault of industrial and municipal organizations; rather, we as citizens share the burden and should continue to play our part in maintaining suitable water quality in the future.