To protect surface water near the field where you are applying a pesticide, you should

• A. Create a buffer zone near the water, and avoid spraying pesticides there
• B. Increase spray coverage near water
• C. Apply during windy conditions
• D. Use higher drift pesticides

Answer: (A)

Creating a buffer zone near surface water and avoiding spraying there is the best way to protect water quality. This no-spray area acts as a shield against pesticide drift and runoff, so droplets that could carry pesticides are less likely to reach streams, ponds, or wells. Protecting surface water is crucial because pesticides can harm aquatic life and contaminate drinking water sources. The other options would raise risk: increasing spray coverage near water means more pesticide could reach the water; applying in windy conditions pushes droplets toward water bodies; using formulations that drift more easily increases the chance of contamination. So, the safe, effective choice is to establish a buffer zone and keep pesticides off that area.