Resources

Pesticides and Water Quality

California creeks and rivers are being contaminated with pesticides, primarily diazinon and chlorpyrifos. These and other pesticides are not only a threat to aquatic life, but they can also affect the quality of our drinking water.

In residential areas

Pesticides Used Around Homes and Gardens

How are pesticides affecting water quality?
How do pesticides get into our creeks and rivers?
What are safer alternatives to pesticides?
Safe use and disposal of pesticides

In California agriculture

Dormant Organophosphate Sprays in Tree Fruit Crops

Alternatives to Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon Dormant Sprays
1999 report to California State Water Resources Control Board, PDF (424K).
Almond and Stone Fruit Growers Reduce OP, Increase Pyrethroid Use in Orchard Dormant Sprays
California Agriculture Nov/Dec 2000.

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See How to manage pests, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance. /WATER/index.html revised: November 30, 2004. Contact webmaster.