MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What effect does a shallow water table have on groundwater contamination risk?

1. Increases contamination risk

2. Decreases contamination risk

3. No effect on contamination risk

4. Eliminates contamination risk

The correct answer is: Increases contamination risk

When considering the impact of a shallow water table on groundwater contamination risk, the correct choice highlights a significant environmental concern. A shallow water table means that the groundwater is located close to the surface, which makes it more susceptible to contamination from surface activities. This proximity allows pollutants from agricultural practices, industrial discharges, or even residential waste to easily seep into groundwater supplies. Since many pesticides and chemicals can be carried by rainwater or runoff, when the water table is shallow, there's less soil and filtration between the surface and the groundwater, increasing the likelihood of contamination. Therefore, the presence of a shallow water table correlates directly with a heightened risk of groundwater contamination due to the lesser volume of soil that would normally serve as a buffer. In contrast, a deeper water table would typically mean more soil and rock between the surface and the groundwater, generally providing better protection against such contaminants. Thus, the assertion that a shallow water table increases contamination risk is well-supported by environmental science principles.