What is point source pollution?

Point source pollution refers to contaminants that originate from a specific, identifiable source. This type of pollution is typically discharged from a single outlet or location, such as a pipe or a ditch. Examples include effluents from a factory or wastewater treatment plant, where the point of release can be easily monitored and regulated. Because point source pollution has a definitive source, efforts to manage and control its impact, such as setting emission standards and implementing treatment processes, become more straightforward.

In contrast, non-point source pollution involves pollutants that do not have a singular, identifiable origin, making it challenging to regulate and control. Additionally, pollution that affects a broad geographical area or is created by residential water runoff often represents more diffuse sources of pollution, which do not provide the same level of clarity about where the contaminants enter the water system.