What is the primary cause of water pollution as related to agricultural practices?

Agricultural practices are significant contributors to water pollution, primarily through the runoff of pesticides. When farmers apply pesticides to crops, these chemicals can easily wash off the fields during rain or irrigation events and enter nearby water bodies. This runoff can lead to harmful concentrations of pesticides in rivers, lakes, and streams, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the human food supply.

Pesticides can disrupt the endocrine systems of wildlife, reduce biodiversity, and contaminate drinking water sources, posing risks to both environmental and human health. The issue of pesticide runoff highlights the need for sustainable farming practices and proper management of agricultural chemicals to protect water quality.