Pesticides and Water Quality

A recent study found that insecticides are detected more often, and usually in higher concentrations, in urban streams as opposed to agricultural streams. Most common pesticides are water soluble and wash off lawns and streets easily and get into our waterways.

It doesn't take much of some pesticides to affect wildlife and water quality. A single treated seed can kill a small bird. Runoff from a lawn treated with Malathion, commonly found in many retail pesticides, is extremely toxic to aquatic life.

Our friends at Our Water, Our World have put together some fact sheets for your use. You can also visit their web site for more detailed information.