rces and technical support for Local State agents to engage in voluntary source water protection programs. The protection of groundwater is very important because it serves as a source of drinking water for 95 percent of the population in rural areas and approximately half of the nation's population. A joint effort by the Department of Pesticides Regulation (DPR) and the State Water Resource Control Board (State Board), it describes how DPR and the country agricultural commissioner are working together with the State Board and the regional boards to protect water from the use of pesticides. DPR and the State Board have adopted a four-stage approach to minimize the potential for pesticide movement to surface and groundwaters. . Stage 1: educational out reach. . Stage 2: Self-regarding or cooperative efforts are used to identify and implement the most appropriate site-specific, reduced-risk practices. This could include manufacturer-imposed labeled changes and stewardship programs in the region or statewide. . Stage 3: Restricted material used permit requirements, regulations, and other authorities used. . Stage 4: If necessary, the State and Regional Boards will enforce additional water quality regulations. The customer out reach and educational programs of the pesticide industry described above will be an essential part of this process. If most people and industries don't get the message or understand how to implement it the program fails to work. Those in agriculture are very familiar with the importance of pesticides and related products for pest control and optimizing crop production. The nature of many products requires strict labeling conditions in handling uses. The industry conducts educational efforts to encourage farmers and others properly follow label restrictions and use common sense to store,...
