NonPoint Source
​Pollution

What is NonPoint Source Pollution?
Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution one of the biggest threats to clean water. The tricky part: it doesn’t come from a single pipe or factory. It comes from everywhere.

When rain or snowmelt moves across the ground, it picks up things like fertilizers, oil, pet waste, litter, and soil. All of that washes into our rivers, lakes, and groundwater. That’s non‑point source pollution.
Why it matters:
  • It harms fish and wildlife
  • It affects drinking water
  • It fuels harmful algal blooms
  • It’s preventable when communities work together
The good news is there are small actions you can start taking today to make a big difference in helping reduce NPS in our waterways and wetlands:
  • Pick up pet waste
  • ​Reduce fertilizer use
  • Keep leaves and grass clippings out of storm drains
  • Fix oil leaks from vehicles
  • Plant (native) trees, shrubs and/or ground cover to reduce runoff

Clean water starts with everyday choices. Let’s protect our waterways -- one small step at a time.

How Farmers = leaders in Water Stewardship

Farmers are the primary stewards of our land and water. Implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) isn't just about protection—it's about maximizing your farm's efficiency and long-term productivity.

The benefit of BMP’s - Boost Your Fields & Protect Our Water:
  • Impact 200,000 acres by restoring or enhancing 25,000 acres of grassland habitat.
  • Increase access to quality pheasant hunting on both public and private lands.
  • Increase pheasant hunter recruitment and retention by 25% by 2020.
  • Develop habitat management guidelines and training.
  • Develop partnerships to restore wild pheasant populations in suitable habitats in Michigan.
  • Monitor populations and conduct research to ensure the best management of the pheasant resource.
  • Provide sustainable funding and resources necessary to implement the initiative.
We Can Do This as Partners in Conservation:
Improving water quality is a shared work, and your organization never needs to take on that work by itself. There are several programs available to provide technical expertise and financial assistance:
  • MAEAP: Get verified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), through the Gratiot CDand show your community your commitment to stewardship. Bonus: You can also qualify for possible discounts on your insurance plan.
  • NRCS & FSA: Explore federal programs like EQIP or CRP for cost-share opportunities on conservation practices. Contact Gratiot CD to get started.
  • Regen Ag: Join the growing movement toward regenerative farming practices (AKA: "regen ag") that focus on soil health as the foundation of a healthy watershed. Gratiot CD's Conservation Technician can help you get started with a free soil test.
The Bottom Line:
​Small adjustments in your field management really do lead to big wins for your farm's bottom line and our community's water. Both today and for future generations.