Where the presence of agricultural chemicals has been detected in groundwater. the culprit has more often than not. been mishandled chemicals on the farmstead which resulted in entry near or through the well. Experts interviewed in compiling this report agree that following these 8 steps drasticallv reduce the chances that farm chemicals would ever show up in ylour groundwater:

1. Mix nd store chemicals at least 50 ft. from vour a well. Some states recommend as much as 200 ft. as a buffer zone between your mixing/storage area and your well. "It's not always obvious where things will flow after a spill." says Mike Hirsehi, agricultural engineer at University of Illinois. Subsequent rains can wash chemicals further than you might think. Maintain the same buffer zone between your mixing area and any surface water such as ditches. ponds. or slues.
2. Prevent back-siphoning by installing backflow devices such as check valves on the fill pipe between your water source and your sprayer. Pumps don't prevent backsiphoning. A drop in voltage or uneven water supply can cause many pumps to "cough" and allow chemicals down the well.
3. Store chemicals in a well-ventilated. cool location. preferabjy with a concrete floor slanting inward. A 12-inch-high retaining wall around the outside will contain spills. Always store chemicals in the original. labeled container. Make sure they're tightly sealed.
4. Triple rinse or pressure-rinse containers to prepare them for disposal. and sprav the rinse later back on the field. Rinse containers as soon as they're emptied so the residue doesn't have a chance to dry out
5. Make sure your sprayer is attended throughout period during which it is being filled. and keep the filling hose above the water level in the tank at all times. Mount a clamp on top ofthe tank to hold the hose if necessarv.
6. Study the labels for each material you apply. only do they contain information on rates of application, but they list recommendations for safe disposal. Labels are frequently revised and expanded.
7. Plan carefully your purchases and required inventory ofchemicals fora given crop year. Calculate needs carefully and buy just what you need. Avoid overwintering chemicals wherever possible. Keep records of total amount, rates and dates and type of chemical applied on each field.
8. Inspect your well periodically. Pollutants can enter directly from the surface, through openings in or beneath the pump base, or through soil next to the well. You need to have tight seals between the pump and pump base as well as between the casing and the wall of the bore hole. The pump itself needs to be checked for leaks. Know the locations of old wells, and make sure they are capped.