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~ ~ ~ en Nonpoint Source Pollution of Surface- and Ground- Water Resources For the past 25 years, the United States has carried out a comprehensive effort to improve surface-water quality. This efforf has largely emphasized programs to control municipal and industrial point sources of pollution. These investments have improved water quality and associated biological productivity in many areas. Similar investments have not been made to address the multitude of diffuse pollution sources termed collectively "non- point source pollution." Impairments to water quality due to nonpoint sources have become increasingly evident as point sources are reduced. Nonpoint source pollution can originate from a variety of sources and activities. Natural non point pollution occurs from Water quality and quantity concerns apply to both ground water and surface water. Integrated pest management including pest scouting and pesticide application management reduce the availability of agricultural chemicals for transport to ground- and surface-water bodies. such processes as'geologic erosion, saline seeps, and dissolution of nutrient-rich rocks and soils. Activities that contribute to non point source pollution include forestry operations, mining, construction excavations, and agriculture. In many areas, concern about agricultural nonpoint sources of pollution is focused on the potential risk trom manufactured nutrient and pesticide materials. Use of modern agricultural chemicals-insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, herbicides, and fertilizers-has increased in recent decades, enabling American farmers to increase their productivity and keep food. prices low and quality high. Chemicals, however, can move into surface waters, either attached to sediment eroded from agricultural land or dissolved in runoff, and can infiltrate the soil profile to contaminate ground-water supplies.