What safety measure should be taken before using pesticides near water sources?

Establishing buffer zones is a critical safety measure when using pesticides near water sources. A buffer zone acts as a protective barrier that minimizes the risk of pesticide runoff into waterways, protecting aquatic life and preventing contamination of drinking water. By implementing a buffer zone, applicators ensure that there is a designated area where no pesticides are applied, which helps maintain a safe distance from water bodies and reduces the potential for pesticide drift or movement into the water. This practice is essential for environmental stewardship and compliance with safety regulations designed to safeguard water quality.

Other options may seem relevant to pesticide application safety, but they do not specifically address the direct relationship between pesticide application and protecting water sources. For example, notifying adjacent property owners is courteous and can promote good neighborly relations, but it does not prevent the environmental impact of pesticides. Similarly, applying pesticides only on cloudy days or at night can reduce evaporation or drift to some extent, but these practices do not offer a systematic solution to prevent contamination of water bodies. Establishing buffer zones is the most effective and widely recommended strategy to ensure water safety during pesticide application.