Which statement is true about groundwater contamination by pesticides?

The statement regarding water-soluble pesticides being more likely to contaminate groundwater is accurate because these types of pesticides dissolve easily in water, which allows them to move through the soil and potentially reach groundwater sources. When water-soluble pesticides are applied in agricultural settings or for landscaping purposes, they can be carried by rainfall, irrigation, or even through leaching during the irrigation process. This high mobility increases the risk of groundwater contamination, particularly if the pesticides are used inappropriately or if there is insufficient buffer between the pesticide application area and groundwater sources.

In contrast, the other statements do not fully capture the broader context of groundwater contamination. For example, groundwater contamination can occur in various climate conditions, not just in areas of heavy rainfall, and improper disposal of containers is one of several contributing factors rather than the main cause. Additionally, runoff and erosion are significant pathways through which contaminants can enter water systems, and therefore cannot be dismissed in discussions of groundwater contamination.