There are over 80 landfills in Niagara, most of which are no longer in operation. Sewage treatment plants, of which there are nine in Niagara, are serious water polluters, and are primary contributors to beach closures, particularly after rainstorms when the plants often by-pass incoming sewage for lack of adequate capacity. Because point sources are identifiable, they are relatively easy to study, monitor, and regulate. Thus, considerable effort has been made to control these and minimize their impacts. Rain runoff from the vast concrete jungle contributes considerable oil and grease from leaking motor vehicles.
Significant pollution is carried in the air and deposited by rain.
Acid rain, nitrous oxides, dioxins, and other contaminants come from the Ohio Valley, Michigan, and elsewhere. Because of their diffuse nature, non-point sources are more difficult to study and control. Drinking Water All of these point and non-point sources affect our water supplies. The public drinking-water supply comes almost entirely from surface water that all goes through a rigorous treatment process. The water is tested before and after treatment as well as in the distribution system, and our Department sees all of the test results.