Which practice is NOT recommended for minimizing groundwater contamination?

Over-applying pesticides is not recommended for minimizing groundwater contamination because it can lead to excess chemicals being washed away by rain or irrigation, which can then seep into the groundwater. Proper application rates are critical to ensuring that only the necessary amount of pesticides is used to manage pests effectively while preventing runoff and leaching that could contaminate nearby water sources.

In contrast, practices such as protecting wellheads, conducting mixing activities away from water sources, and accurately measuring while mixing pesticides are all important for safeguarding water quality. Protecting wellheads reduces the risk of contaminants entering the groundwater directly, conducting mixing activities in safe locations helps minimize the chance of spills, and accurate measuring ensures that the right amount of pesticide is applied, which helps maintain environmental integrity. These practices collectively help in reducing the potential for pesticide-related groundwater contamination.