Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What can be a result of pesticide drift into drinking water?

1. Increased agricultural productivity

2. Water becoming unusable

3. Simplification of pest management

4. Reduction in pesticide regulations

The correct answer is: Water becoming unusable

When pesticides drift into drinking water, it can lead to severe contamination of that water source, rendering it unsafe for human consumption and other uses. This situation can arise from factors such as wind carrying airborne pesticides away from their intended target areas or improper application methods. The presence of pesticides in drinking water can pose significant health risks to the population, including acute poisoning and long-term exposure risks, such as cancer or neurological effects. Contaminated drinking water may necessitate expensive filtration systems or new water supplies, which can strain community resources and complicate public health initiatives. As a result, many authorities may need to declare such water sources unusable until they can be properly treated or cleaned, significantly disrupting water availability for residents. The other options do not align with the potential consequences of pesticide drift into drinking water. Increased agricultural productivity and simplification of pest management do not relate to water quality. Reduction in pesticide regulations is contrary to the response to a contamination event, as such incidents often lead to stricter regulations to protect public health and the environment.