What is the best protection against groundwater pollution?

The best protection against groundwater pollution is preventing contamination. This approach involves implementing practices and regulations designed to minimize the risk of hazardous substances entering the groundwater supply in the first place. Preventative measures can include proper storage and disposal of chemicals, adopting safe agricultural practices, and maintaining buffer zones around water sources. By proactively addressing potential sources of contamination, the integrity of groundwater can be maintained, ensuring it remains safe for drinking and other uses.

Other methods, while important, are reactive rather than proactive. Stopping irrigation may temporarily reduce the risk of runoff, but it does not address existing contamination sources. Cleaning groundwater after it has been contaminated can involve substantial time and resources and may not always be successful. Likewise, using fewer chemicals is beneficial for reducing overall risks but does not eliminate the potential for contamination entirely. Thus, focusing on prevention is the most effective strategy for safeguarding groundwater against pollution.