Ground water plays a vital role for Utah's people. Half of the ground water that is being drawn is used for their agricultural processes, while the other half is for its people's consumption. Most people of this state depend on ground water as a source of drinking water but this resource is facing a big problem.
The problem began when modern technology had detected the extremely low concentrations of chemical in ground water. This is the same problem seen in many streams and rivers of United State which are contaminated with agricultural chemicals. Although the contamination of ground water in Utah seems to be less serious, we cannot deny the fact of the possibility of contamination. When agricultural chemicals enter the surface or ground water, this will lead to a bigger problem if not acted upon.
This problem had come to the attention of United States Environmental Protection Agency which had come up with a State Management Plan. This plan outlines the state philosophy and plans towards protecting the groundwater from pesticide contamination. Aside from protecting Utah's water resources, the plan also includes actions to be done once contaminations on ground water have been detected.
Once contamination on ground water have been detected and confirmed, the Utah Department on Agriculture will work with the landowner to avoid further contamination of Utah's groundwater resources. The Environmental Protection Agency aims to protect the public health and come up with safer practices of pest control.
Pesticides are designed toarticle pests however people can be harmed if exposed to these chemicals or if these are accidentally swallowed. The health effects of pesticide includes affecting the nervous system, skin and eye irritation and can also affect the article and endocrine system depending on the pesticide.
The contamination of Utah's water resources is a great concern that the state and federal regulator are both working on it. On the other hand, people of Utah can also help in preventing the possible loss of its water resources. The Environmental Protection Agency had identified five pesticides that should be restricted. Everyone can do their share by not using them or reporting anyone they know that is still using these pesticides. They are as follows:
Alachlor: Any brand name containing alachlor. These include Alanex, Bronco, Cannon, Crop Star, Lariat, Lasso and Partner. Alachlor can also be found from other herbicides.
Atrazine: Any brand names containing Atrazine. These include Aatrex, Aktikon, Alazine, Atred, Atranex, Atrataf, Atratol, Azinotox, Crisazina, Farmco Atrazine, G-30027, Gesaprim, Giffex 4L, Malermais, Primatol, Simazat, and Zeapos
Cyanazine: Any brand names containing cyanazine. These include Bladex, DW3418, Fortrol, Match, and Payze.
Metolachlor: Any brand names containing Metolachlor. These include Bicep, CGA-24705, Dual, Pennant, and Pimagram.
Simazine: Any brand names containing Simazine. These include Aquazine, Caliber, Cekusan, Cekusima,Framed, Gesatop, Primatol S, Princep, Simadex, Simanex, Sim-Trol, Tanzine and Totazine.
The fight against contamination of Utah's water resources is not just the fight of Environmental Protection Agency. It's a fight that should involve the citizens of Utah in order to prevent future loss of its water resources.
