Based on the above information, the laboratory conducts a scan to look for a group of related pesticides to determine if further testing is needed. Final test results will give you the specific contaminant and the level of contamination. Compare this level to the MCL for that pesticide. If it is above the MCL, treatment of drinking water or the use of an alternate water source is recommended. Once a water supply becomes contaminated with a pesticide, it is very difficult and costly to treat.
Bottled water is a short-term solution to meet the needs of drinking water and food preparation.
It may be practical to treat household drinking water, but it would be very costly to treat the large volumes of water necessary for general household use and livestock consumption. Activated charcoal and reverse osmosis are the two treatments most often used for the removal of pesticides. However, they do not remove all pesticides, and treatment should be based on specific recommendations for the pesticide reported in your water. Your county Extension office can help you secure a pesticide water test by providing a list of certified laboratories. They can also secure advice on treatment.