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In order to protect Nevada’s
groundwater supply from pesticide pollution the
Environmental Compliance Branch at the Nevada
Department of Agriculture (NDOA) in cooperation with
U.S. EPA and United States Geographical Survey (USGS)
has established a network of shallow observation
wells. Water samples are collected and analyzed
twice annually from 65 shallow wells that are
located in urban and agricultural regions throughout
the state. The purpose of the program is to detect
pesticide contamination in the early stages and stop
the source of the pollution before human health or
further environmental contamination occurs. For
more information please see Monitoring for
pesticide in Ground Water in Nevada,
a fact sheet developed by NDOA and USGS.
Pesticides enter groundwater
directly from pesticide spills near poorly sealed
wells and application of pesticide through improper
or malfunctioning chemigation equipment.
Chemigation systems without proper backflow devices
can be the source of significant groundwater
contamination. Contamination to groundwater can
also be indirect through percolation of agricultural
and lawn and garden type pesticides.
When considering chemigation
(the process of applying a pesticide through an
irrigation system) as a method of applying a
pesticide you must first consult the pesticide label
to determine if the product may be applied through
chemigation. If the product is approved for
chemigation you will be required to follow specific
instructions and install functioning backflow
devices before you can apply the product.
Environmental compliance staff
will provide more information regarding the
protection of groundwater from pesticides. On site
consultations and inspection of chemigation systems
and hardware are provided. You can request a
consultation by calling or emailing the Nevada
Department of Agriculture.
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