What is the issue?

Nonpoint Source Pollution sources are: fertilizers, pesticides, oil, grease, chemicals, sediment from construction sites, livestock and pet waste, and poorly-maintained septic systems. All of these things come from everyday activities. Nonpoint Source Pollution is a significant cause of degraded waters in the Lowcountry. Unlike Point Source Pollution, which comes from a specific source like an industrial or sewage pipe, Nonpoint Source Pollution come from multiple sources and gets carried straight to our local waterways during rainstorms. Impervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots, roofs) act as smooth runways to transport these pollutants even faster, without dilution. When these pollutants hit the water, they dirty the groundwater, wetlands, creeks, rivers, and oceans from which we drink and fish, and can harm wildlife. These pollutants can encourage the growth of weeds and algae, which rob water of oxygen and kill fish and other aquatic life.

In South Carolina, most of our Nonpoint Source Pollution that is measured is fecal coliform bacteria, followed by phosphorus, nitrogen, pesticides, and oil. These pollutants tend to come from animal waste, detergents, lawn applications, and automobiles.

How would it affect South Carolina?

As our local waterways become more polluted, we experience:
-more beach and shellfish bed closures
-destruction of underwater habitat
-degraded drinking water
-fish kills
-elevated risk for human infection (roundworm, hookworm, Giardia, Salmonella)
-higher costs to taxpayers for area restoration/protection
-less safe places to swim and boat, as well as fish

What can you do about it?

-Avoid littering—this includes leaves and other natural debris.

-Pick up pet waste— carry bags with you, tie them shut when used, dispose into a trash receptacle. IF you use flushable or no bags, and IF you are on a sewer system, dog waste can go in the toilet.

-Reduce your use of lawn and garden chemicals.

-Dispose of household chemicals properly—never dump these items down a storm drain, and follow the Bees Ferry Household Hazardous Materials site rules (http://www.charlestoncity.info/shared/docs/0/dropsitemap.pdf).

-Maintain your car properly, and never hose spilled brake fluid, oil, grease, or antifreeze off the driveway.

-Control soil erosion on your property by planting ground cover and stabilizing erosion-prone areas.

-Maintain your septic system properly.

-Purchase household detergents and cleaners that are low in phosphorous to reduce the amount of nutrients discharged into waterways (there are great natural recipes you can find online to make your own cleaners and save money).

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