Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program

The NPS Program recognizes the importance of "grass roots" watershed based planning efforts and addressing nonpoint sources of pollution through collaboration and partnership. Active stakeholder outreach efforts are necessary to potentially identify the specific source(s) of NPS-related water quality problems and work directly with dischargers to address their resolution. This direct approach when dealing with a limited number of willing and responsible dischargers can often directly ameliorate the water quality problem and avoid the need for development of a TMDL or direct regulation and enforcement through the Regional Water Board's Porter-Cologne Act authorities. Watershed based programs assist in protecting high quality waters, delisting impaired waters and implementing TMDLs.