It is difficult to quantify because there are so many types of sources and because it varies with the extent and intensity of rainfall and the seasonal nature of many sources. NPS is cited as a major reason why New Jersey waterways do not meet fishable and swimmable standards established by the Clean Water Act. Over 7000 stormwater outfalls have been found along the Jersey Shore alone. All of New Jersey's lakes are classified as threatened for swimming use. Nonpoint source pollution has been cited as the primary pollutant source.
Ground water is also at risk from nonpoint source pollutants as they enter the state's aquifers.
We must confront the problem of NPS squarely. New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, with over 1000 people per square mile. And we are still growing. We can protect our water supplies so that they will afford us and our children plentiful fishing, safe bathing and quality drinking water. Or we can permit our streams, lakes, estuaries and aquifers to be polluted by some of our everyday activities that disrupt our ecosystem.