Why is it important to avoid applying pesticides near water bodies and wetlands?

• A. To protect aquatic life and avoid contamination; labels may require buffer zones or prohibition near water
• B. Water protects pesticides
• C. Water bodies help pesticide distribution
• D. There is no need to avoid water bodies

Answer: (A)

It's about protecting water quality and aquatic life by preventing pesticide entry into streams, ponds, and wetlands. Pesticide labels specify buffer zones or prohibitions near water to reduce drift and runoff, which helps keep residues out of these sensitive areas. Water bodies can carry and retain pesticides, harming fish, invertebrates, amphibians, and even drinking-water sources, so avoiding application near water protects ecosystems and public health. The other ideas don’t fit: water doesn’t neutralize or protect pesticides, water bodies aren’t a beneficial distribution route, and there is indeed a need to avoid applying near water.