In Ohio, heavy spring rains can cause runoff or pesticides from fields and may contaminate which water sources?

In Ohio, heavy spring rains can cause runoff or pesticides from fields and may contaminate which water sources?

• A. Contamination of streams
• B. Contamination of reservoirs
• C. Municipal water supplies to exceed maximum contamination levels
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Heavy spring rains push water over fields, carrying pesticides downhill into nearby water bodies. That runoff can contaminate streams directly, and since streams feed reservoirs, the pesticides can also end up in larger surface waters. Municipal water supplies often draw from these surface waters, so contamination can reach drinking-water sources and potentially exceed maximum contaminant levels if treatment isn’t enough. So, all of the listed water sources can be affected by pesticide runoff. To reduce risk, apply pesticides only when weather forecasts show no heavy rain, and use buffer zones and other practices that minimize runoff.

Heavy spring rains push water over fields, carrying pesticides downhill into nearby water bodies. That runoff can contaminate streams directly, and since streams feed reservoirs, the pesticides can also end up in larger surface waters. Municipal water supplies often draw from these surface waters, so contamination can reach drinking-water sources and potentially exceed maximum contaminant levels if treatment isn’t enough. So, all of the listed water sources can be affected by pesticide runoff. To reduce risk, apply pesticides only when weather forecasts show no heavy rain, and use buffer zones and other practices that minimize runoff.