What is a primary concern when using pesticides in proximity to water bodies?

The primary concern when using pesticides near water bodies is the potential for water quality degradation. Pesticides can be carried by runoff or can leach into groundwater, leading to contamination of local water resources. This contamination can have severe impacts on aquatic ecosystems, including harm to fish and other wildlife, as well as potential risks to human health if the contaminated water is used for drinking, recreation, or irrigation.

Protecting water quality is essential because water bodies are often sensitive environments. The introduction of chemicals can disrupt the balance of these ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and food webs. Regulatory guidelines often emphasize the importance of maintaining water quality standards to ensure the safety of both environmental and human health.

The other options, while they present relevant issues in different contexts, do not directly address the immediate environmental and public health risks associated with pesticide use near water bodies.