Understanding and Reducing Pesticide Losses

Abstract

<p>A small portion of pesticides applied on farms inadvertently reaches surface and groundwater. The amount varies from nearly zero to sometimes more than 5 percent of the amount applied, depending on several factors discussed below. That may not seem like much, but a 1 percent loss of a 1-pound-per-acre pesticide application can contaminate all of the drainage from a field in a normal year at 5 parts per billion (ppb). This level can be of concern if the drainage water enters drinking water supplies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established Health Advisory Levels for most pesticides in drinking water. Health Advisory Levels are guides to the level of chronic exposure of an individual to pesticides.</p>