How You Can Protect Groundwater

Photos: Amy Jerup Teton County Weed & Pest

• Select a pest management strategy carefully; consider environmental impact.
• Be especially careful around wellheads and water sources.
• Understand site vulnerability: soil type, geology, climate.
• Understand pesticide vulnerability: select pesticides carefully.
• Be prepared for spills and leaks with clean-up equipment and personal protective equipment while transporting, at the storage area, while mixing and loading, and while applying.
• Follow label directions and precautions.
• Calculate and measure accurately. Calibrate accurately and often. Check equipment operation and spray patterns at least daily.
• Monitor weather, watering, or irrigation schedules carefully.
• Store pesticides safely, away from water sources.
• Do not use pesticides if conditions exist for potential groundwater contamination.
• Triple rinse pesticide containers. Dispose of containers and unused pesticides according to the label.