Pesticide concerns in Washington’s groundwater raise health alarms

WASHINGTON – A recent report from the US Geological Survey highlighted a decline in pesticides in the nation’s water over the past 30 years. However, experts caution that the study does not provide the full picture, particularly for rural Washington residents who rely on private wells.

Cherilyn Peterson, a staff ecologist at the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, pointed out that the study only tracked 22 chemicals, many of which are being phased out. She noted that highly toxic replacements, such as glyphosate, 24D and neonicotinoids, were not included in the analysis.

“Many of the most commonly used chemicals that we see in the Pacific Northwest…weren’t even part of the analysis which I thought was really surprising,” Peterson said.

Peterson argued that Washington lawmak