What term is used to describe water pollution from a single identifiable source?

• A. Nonpoint sources
• B. Point sources of water pollution
• C. Industrial Discharge
• D. Agricultural Runoff

Answer: (B)

A single identifiable source of contamination entering a water body is called a point source of water pollution. This term fits because the pollution originates from a discrete, traceable location—like a pipe, outfall, or sewer line—so you can pinpoint its source. In contrast, nonpoint sources involve pollutants from many diffuse surfaces, such as runoff from large areas of land, where no single entry point can be identified. Agricultural runoff is an example of a nonpoint source, while industrial discharge is a common type of point source. The general term that describes pollution from a single identifiable source is point sources of water pollution.