What is point source pollution, and how is it regulated under Arizona water law?

Point source pollution is defined as contamination that comes from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe, ditch, or discrete conveyance. In the context of Arizona water law, this type of pollution is subject to stringent regulations to ensure water safety and maintain the integrity of water bodies. The regulatory framework is designed to monitor and control discharges from these specific sources to prevent harmful substances from entering bodies of water.

In Arizona, point source pollution is primarily regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which is established by the Clean Water Act. This requires facilities that discharge pollutants into navigable waters to obtain a permit that sets specific limits on the type and amount of pollution they can discharge. This comprehensive regulatory approach ensures that there is accountability for the pollution being released, which is essential for protecting public health and the environment.

Regulation under this framework is vital because it allows for precise monitoring and control of pollutants, reducing the overall impact on water quality. This distinguishes point source pollution from non-point source pollution, which is diffuse and comes from multiple sources, making it much harder to regulate effectively.