Which of the following describes nonpoint pollution?

• A. Originates from a single identifiable discharge point.
• B. Is caused by diffuse runoff from large areas of land.
• C. Diffuse pollution from land runoff.
• D. Only occurs in urban environments.

Answer: (C)

Nonpoint pollution comes from many diffuse sources rather than a single identifi able outlet. Pollutants are carried into waterways by runoff from rain or snowmelt moving across broad areas of land, including fields, roads, and urban landscapes, so there isn’t one discharge to point to. That makes the description “diffuse pollution from land runoff” the best way to capture the concept. The other statements imply a single discharge point or limit nonpoint pollution to urban areas, which isn’t accurate—nonpoint pollution often involves rural as well as urban sources like agricultural fields and construction sites.