How far from a water body do the restrictions described apply?

• A. Between 5 and 30 metres
• B. Between 0 and 5 metres
• C. Between 30 and 50 metres
• D. More than 100 metres

Answer: (A)

Buffer zones around water bodies are put in place to prevent pesticides from drifting into streams, ponds, or irrigation ditches and harming aquatic life or drinking water sources. The restriction described—keeping distance in the range of five to thirty metres—means you must stay at least five metres away from any water body, and in many cases the safe zone can extend up to thirty metres depending on the product and circumstances. This range balances effective application with protecting water quality; some products or conditions have drift potential that requires the larger end of the range, while others may be covered by the minimum distance.

Always check the product label for the exact buffer you must maintain, because the required distance can vary by product, formulation, and context. Drift, weather conditions, nozzle type, and spray pressure all affect how far particles may travel, so the practical protection is tied to those factors as well as the stated distance. Distances like zero to five metres would risk water contamination, while distances like thirty to fifty metres or more than a hundred metres go beyond what this description specifies.