If a pesticide label does not specify a minimum distance to water sources, what buffer should be used?

• A. 200 feet
• B. 50 ft buffer unless instructed otherwise on directions
• C. 100 ft
• D. 25 ft

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that you follow the label for buffer distances to water, and if the label doesn’t specify a minimum distance, you use a standard default of 50 feet from water sources. This default helps reduce drift and runoff into streams, ponds, wells, and irrigation ditches, protecting water quality. You would adjust only if the directions on the label call for a different distance due to the product, formulation, application method, or site conditions. Distances like 200, 100, or 25 feet aren’t the default in the absence of label directions; they apply only when the label specifies them.