What can happen if pesticide-contaminated surface water reaches groundwater?

When pesticide-contaminated surface water reaches groundwater, it can lead to groundwater contamination. This occurs because the pesticides, which are designed to be chemically active against pests, can leach through the soil and into the groundwater system. Once in the groundwater, these chemicals can persist for varying periods, depending on their characteristics and environmental conditions.

Groundwater serves as a significant source of drinking water and irrigation for many communities and agricultural practices. Contaminated groundwater poses serious health risks to humans and wildlife, potentially leading to long-term environmental issues, health complications, and challenges in accessing safe drinking water. Therefore, understanding the risk of contamination from pesticide runoff is crucial for maintaining water quality and public health. The other options do not accurately reflect the potential consequences of pesticide contamination, as they either underestimate the impact on groundwater or suggest a positive outcome.