Groundwater shows less pesticide than expected

Samples of groundwater show significantly lower levels of pesticide contamination than expected, according to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey. USGS tested for 80 pesticides in 362 wells, first from 1993 to 1995, then in 2001-2003. Only six pesticides were found in more than 10 wells during both time periods, at concentrations at less than one-tenth of federal limits.

Ron Smith of Southwest Farm Press attributes the findings to a number of factors: the high cost of pesticides, technological advances in seed development and land management, and careful attention to water movement patterns. He says a culture of respect for land among farmers influences pesticide usage: "They don’t knowingly overuse pesticides. It’s too expensive, too wasteful, and too potentially damaging to the resources farmers rely on for their livings." (Read more)