Pesticides routinely turn up in drinking water supplies in farm states, raising health risks and requiring taxpayers to fund expensive new water filtering systems. Last summer, a U.S. Geological Survey studied 5,000 water samples from wells and streams. They found at least one pesticide in half the wells and nearly all the streams studied. The Organic Answer Switching to organic farming means going off synthetic pesticides cold turkey. Organic farmers also rely on natural fertilizers.
Synthetic fertilizers result in more soil erosion and contamination of lakes and rivers.
Water pollution from agriculture is the chief reason that 40 percent of America's lakes, rivers and estuaries are not clean enough for fishing and swimming. Organic food does cost more on average. But, this study found that the cheapest organic produce is a lot less expensive than the most expensive conventional produce. There are various reasons for the price discrepancy. According to Lockeretz, organic farmers' costs are sometimes higher than conventional farmers' and sometimes not - it depends on the individual farm's situation.