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Pesticides
About the Project
Home > Education > Contaminants & Risks > Drinking Water Contaminants > Pesticides​​
Quick Facts
  • Contaminant Type: Chemical - Organic
  • Sources: Domestic, commercial, and agricultural use and waste
  • Health Effects: Can cause acute poisoning; dermal reaction; skin, lung, and allergic responses; decreased fertility; increased cancer risk; and endocrine disruption (visit the Emerging Contaminants page for more info)
  • Treatment Options: Activated carbon, ozone, reverse osmosis
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About Pesticides
Pesticides are substances (often chemical) designed to kill pests, including insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), and fungi (fungicides). When used in outdoor applications, such as gardens, lawns, or in agriculture, pesticides can contaminate surface and groundwater supplies. 

The hazard of pesticides depends on the toxicity of the specific contaminant and the exposure amount/duration. Even low-toxicity products can be hazardous if the exposure is high enough. Health risks may be acute, causing immediate symptoms after consuming a high dose, or chronic, particularly if a low dose is ingested over a long period of time. Potential long-term health risks include decreased fertility, endocrine disruption, and increased cancer risk. 
Treatment
Point-of-use devices like reverse osmosis can be used to reduce pesticides in drinking water. Activated carbon is also effective; the filters act as an adsorbent to remove or reduce levels of contaminants that affect the taste and odor of water as well as harmful solvents, including pesticides and other chemical waste. Ozone oxidation can also reduce natural and synthetic organic compounds (including pesticides). ​
Related Articles:
  • 05/2005 Waste Water and Risks of Drinking Water Contamination [Link]
  • 11/2019 The Uncertain Risk of Pyrethrin Exposures [Link]
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Other Resources: 
  • EPA: Drinking Water and Pesticides [Link]
  • National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC): Drinking Water and Pesticides [Link]
  • USGS: Pesticides and Water Quality [Link]
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WQRF | Knowledge of Quality Water


  • Home
    • WQRF Board
  • Network
    • Water Experts
  • 2025 Student Poster Gallery
  • RESEARCH
    • Research & Summaries
    • Webinars
    • Request for Proposals
  • Data Tools
    • Contaminant Map
    • 1-Minute Video Summaries
    • Softening Benefits Calculator
    • Softened Water Toolkit
  • EDUCATION
    • PFAS Resources
    • Contaminants & Risks
    • Treatment Options
  • Next Wave Campaign
    • Campaign Leadership
    • Campaign Supporters
  • Donate
  • Events
    • Walk for Water
    • WQRF @ WQA Convention