Why should you never apply pesticides near water during a rainstorm?

Applying pesticides near water during a rainstorm significantly increases the risk of runoff, which can lead to contamination of water bodies. Heavy rainfall can cause the pesticide to wash away from the treated area and enter nearby streams, rivers, lakes, or other water sources. This not only poses a risk to aquatic life but can also affect the quality of drinking water and disrupt local ecosystems.

Regulations often exist to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of applying pesticides according to weather conditions. The timing of pesticide applications is critical to prevent unintended environmental consequences, which highlights why it's essential to avoid such practices during adverse weather conditions like rainstorms. Choosing to rain-check pesticide applications protects water resources and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.