Regulations around water: can you apply pesticides to water of the state?

• A. You cannot apply pesticides to a water of the state.
• B. Water applications require no permit.
• C. A permit from DNR is optional.
• D. You must obtain a permit and meet related certification/licensing requirements to apply to water

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that using pesticides on water bodies is controlled by the product label and your pesticide applicator licensing, not by a separate state permit. In Wisconsin, there isn’t a general additional permit from the DNR required just to apply a pesticide directly to water, as long as you are using a product that is labeled for aquatic use and you follow the label instructions and you hold the proper applicator license. This means you must respect the label’s directions, including any buffer zones, drift precautions, and restrictions related to water quality and aquatic life. The other options imply a blanket prohibition or a required permit for all water applications, which isn’t the standard practice; the emphasis is on label-compliant use and proper licensing rather than a stand-alone water-permit requirement.