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Preventing Nonpoint Source Pollution

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution comes from a variety of diffuse sources and is one of the leading causes of water quality problems in Montana. It’s caused by many, small sources that, when combined, can cause significant damage to soil and water resources. Common sources of NPS pollution include oil and chemical laden storm-water runoff in urban areas, fertilizers and insecticides from agricultural lands, bacteria and nutrients from livestock and faulty septic systems, and sediment from eroding stream banks.

You can help conserve our soil and water resources and prevent NPS pollution by:

  • Minimizing use of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides
  • Maintaining a vegetated riparian area, consisting of deep-rooted trees and shrubs, between your lawn and waterways
  • Minimizing lawn watering and consider replacing some or all of your lawn with perennial shrubs and trees that don’t require fertilizing or watering
  • Maintaining septic systems with regular inspections and cleanouts
  • Controlling and limiting livestock access to streams through fencing, water gaps, hardened crossings, and grazing management plans
  • Repairing or replacing damaged irrigation infrastructure
  • Checking out our web page on watershed restoration plans to learn more about identifying and preventing NPS pollution in the Flathead Valley

Click here for more information on nonpoint source pollution.

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