What distance applies to Public Waters?

• A. 25 feet
• B. 75 feet
• C. 50 feet
• D. 400 feet

Answer: (C)

A setback from surface water is used to protect water quality by reducing drift and runoff of pesticides into public water bodies. Fifty feet is the typical distance required to keep any pesticide application away from public waters in many New Hampshire guidelines. This buffer helps shield streams, lakes, and rivers that serve the public and support aquatic life and drinking water sources.

In practice, you must ensure you do not spray within fifty feet of public water edges. If weather, application method, or label directions suggest a larger buffer, follow those requirements, but fifty feet is the standard baseline for public waters. The other distances aren’t the commonly required setback in this context, and spray that close could risk contaminating the water.