Which of the following is a potential hazard of chemigation?

• A. Can contaminate wells
• B. Improves water quality
• C. Eliminates drift
• D. Reduces pest pressure uniformly

Answer: (A)

Chemigation moves pesticide through the irrigation system, so a primary hazard is the potential for the chemical to reach drinking water sources like wells. If backflow occurs, or the system isn’t properly maintained, pesticides can be drawn into groundwater or a shared water supply, contaminating wells and posing risks to people and the environment. This is why safeguards such as backflow prevention devices, proper check valves, and correct system setup and maintenance are essential when chemigation is used.

The idea that chemigation improves water quality isn’t correct because introducing pesticides into irrigation water can leave residues and reduce water quality. Drift concerns are more associated with aerial or broadcast applications, not the primary hazard of chemigation, and reducing pest pressure uniformly is a desirable outcome of pesticide use, not a hazard of the method.