Define "non-point source pollution."

Non-point source pollution refers to the type of pollution that does not originate from a single, identifiable source. Instead, it typically results from a variety of diffuse sources, often carried by runoff. This means that when precipitation occurs, water can collect pollutants from a broad area, such as fields, roads, and urban areas, and transport them into nearby water bodies. This type of pollution can include nutrients, sediment, heavy metals, and other contaminants that accumulate across large landscapes, making it challenging to manage and control.

Understanding this definition is crucial for environmental management and conservation efforts because it highlights the need for collective action in addressing pollution that arises from everyday activities, rather than focusing solely on point sources like factories or sewage treatment facilities. This complexity in addressing non-point source pollution often requires strategies like best management practices, land use planning, and community engagement to reduce runoff and its associated impacts on water quality.