Which practice helps prevent water contamination when applying pesticides?

• A. Use buffer zones and proper drift control.
• B. Apply near streams for better reach.
• C. Ignore wind conditions.
• D. Mix pesticides in open air.

Answer: (C)

Preventing water contamination from pesticides hinges on keeping the chemical from reaching streams, ponds, or groundwater. The best practice is to establish buffer zones and use drift control. Buffer zones are vegetated strips between the treated area and water sources that trap or dilute pesticide residues and reduce runoff into water. Drift control means adjusting how you apply so most of the spray stays on target—this includes using drift-reducing nozzles, choosing an appropriate droplet size, spraying at the proper height, and considering wind and weather to limit off-target movement. In practice, keep applications away from water bodies, calibrate the equipment for accurate output, and avoid spraying when wind is gusty or rain is likely. Mixing pesticides in open air or applying close to streams and ignoring wind conditions all increase the risk of water contamination through drift and runoff.