Carbofuran is a toxic pesticide used on crops that can contaminate water through agricultural runoff. It affects the nervous system and is banned in many countries.

Carbofuran is a broad-spectrum carbamate insecticide once widely used on corn, rice, and other crops. It enters water systems through agricultural runoff and soil leaching. The EPA banned its use in the US in 2009 due to risks to human health and wildlife. Carbofuran is measured in parts per billion (ppb) in water. While still used in some developing countries, many nations have restricted or banned it. Water treatment plants use activated carbon filtration to remove carbofuran from drinking water.