Plan to control nonpoint sources of pollution

It takes us all

Nonpoint pollution refers to pollution that doesn't come from a single source, instead, it comes from many sources. It occurs when rainwater or snowmelt picks up pollution as it flows over land and carries it into waterways. Also, nonpoint pollution can happen when there is a lack of shade-providing trees next to streams and the water temperature increases. 

Coming from many different places, this type of pollution can be difficult to manage and is often harder to control compared to pollution that comes from a single source. Our Nonpoint staff work with landowners and local partners across the state to reduce nonpoint pollution from agricultural, forestry, and residential sources.

Washington's plan to address nonpoint pollution

The Nonpoint Plan and Clean Water Guidance outline our strategies and recommendations to help address nonpoint pollution across the state. Learn more about our updates to the Nonpoint Plan and our Clean Water Guidance. 

The Washington’s Water Pollution Control Act  gives Ecology authority to regulate active and potential sources of nonpoint pollution, however achieving clean and cool water takes us all. 

The Nonpoint Plan

The Nonpoint Plan outlines the approach to addressing water quality impacts from nonpoint sources. The Plan is federally required and ensures funding that allows us and our partners to help get clean water solutions on the ground. While Ecology develops Washington's Nonpoint Plan, it encompasses statewide efforts and partnerships to reflect and guide strategies across the state.

We update the Nonpoint Plan regularly, our next update is due at the end of 2025. We are working with Tribes, state agencies, and local partners to update the Plan.

The Clean Water Guidance

We are developing Agriculture Clean Water Guidance as a part of our Nonpoint Plan. This guidance document is a technical resource for agricultural producers that recommends best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality. It is intended to support healthy farms while helping producers meet clean water standards.

We submitted the first set of chapters to EPA with the 2022 Nonpoint Plan and will submit the last set of chapters with our 2025 Plan. Chapters are developed using best available science and through a collaborative process design in coordination with our advisory group. 

Read our Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture focus sheet to learn more.

Latest updates to the Plan

2022 Nonpoint Plan Update 

Our last Plan update was relatively minimal and submitted to EPA in 2022. Along with our 2022 Plan, we submitted the first four chapters of our Clean Water Guidance: 

• Cropping Methods: Tillage & Residue Management
• Livestock Management: Pasture & Rangeland Grazing 
• Sediment Control: Soil Stablization & Sediment Capture (Structural)
• Riparian Areas & Surface Water Protection

You can read the comments we received and our response to comments. Read our letter of submittal for the 2022 Nonpoint Plan. 

2025 Nonpoint Plan Update

We have started the 2025 update of the Nonpoint Plan. We are collaborating with Tribes, state agencies, and local partners involved in nonpoint pollution prevention as we review and update the Plan. We will invite formal Tribal consultation and a pre-public comment review period to Tribal partners. Later this year, we will hold a public comment period. 

Alongside our 2025 Nonpoint Plan, we will also submit the final eight chapters of the Clean Water Guidance:

• Cropping Methods: Crop System 
• Nutrient Management
• Pesticide Management
• Sediment Control: Soil Stabilization & Sediment Capture (Vegetative)
• Water Management: Irrigation Systems & Management
• Water Management: Field Drainage & Drain Tile Management
• Water Management-Stormwater Control & Diversion 
• Suite of Recommended Practices

Opportunities to get involved

We will be looking for your feedback

Partner and public involvement is important to develop successful strategies to address nonpoint pollution. There will be multiple opportunities to get feedback on this work as we update the Nonpoint Plan:

Spring 2025

As Clean Water Guidance chapter drafts are completed, they will be posted on this page for early previewing in an effort to allow as much time as possible to review materials. Check back regularly to stay up to date on materials available.

Material available to preview: 

We are currently preparing to release a chapter for early previewing. 

Summer 2025

We anticipate a Tribal consultation and review period followed by public comment period for the Nonpoint Plan beginning this summer. All remaining Clean Water Guidance chapters will be available alongside the Nonpoint Plan for review at that time. Informational webinars will be held during this time and we will welcome feedback through our online comment form. 

Fall 2025

Once comment periods close, we will review feedback and respond to comments. The 2025 Nonpoint Plan and remaining Clean Water Guidance chapters are due to EPA by Dec. 31, 2025. 

Connect with us!

To learn more or request updates regarding our Nonpoint Plan and Clean Water Guidance processes and comment periods please email nonpoint@ecy.wa.gov.