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Nonpoint Source Pollution

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution, also known as polluted runoff, is a leading cause of water quality problems in Wisconsin. Polluted runoff is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground picking up natural and human–made pollutants, depositing them into rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater. Pollutants include fertilizers, nutrients, oil, grease, sediment and bacteria from agricultural, urban and residential areas.

Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution

Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution

Nine Key Element Plans

Watershed plans provide a framework for improving water quality within a geographic watershed

What You Can dO

The best way for you to become a solution to NPS pollution is to make your home a pollution-free zone

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

Wisconsin’s agriculture businesses contribute more than $88.3 billion to our economy