Preventing groundwater contamination by pesticide residues is essential for protecting public health and promoting environmental sustainability. Excessive or improper use of pesticides can lead to the leaching of harmful chemicals into groundwater sources, which are often used for drinking and domestic purposes. Long-term exposure to pesticide-contaminated water has been associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic kidney disease, which are also the leading cause of death worldwide. Detection of dimethoate, endosulfan, and their degradation products in shallow wells in Gokwe Nemangwe in 2024 exposes smallholder farmers to untreated contaminated water. Continuous exposure in farming communities, coupled with rising NCD prevalence, estimated to account for 40% of deaths nationally in 2024, underlines the urgent need for preventive interventions. This paper, therefore, developed a comprehensive multi-tiered public health prevention model integrating risk assessment; regulatory enforcement; monitoring, public education and awareness; research and innovation; public engagement; emergency response and continuous evaluation. By safeguarding groundwater from pesticide residues, communities can reduce chronic exposure to hazardous chemicals, improve the quality of drinking water, and lower the burden of NCDs. Protecting groundwater resources is therefore not only an environmental priority but also a vital public health strategy for preventing disease and enhancing the well-being of present and future generations. Recommendations include strengthening national regulatory frameworks, expanding community‑based monitoring systems, and integrating indigenous knowledge into water resource management. These measures are positioned not only as health interventions but also as investments in long‑term resilience and development.
