What should a pilot do if spray drift could potentially reach a nearby body of water due to prevailing winds?

Rescheduling the job until conditions are more favorable is the most responsible action a pilot can take if there is a risk of spray drift affecting a nearby body of water due to prevailing winds. This approach prioritizes environmental safety and compliance with regulations designed to protect water quality.

By postponing the application, the pilot can wait for optimal weather conditions, such as lower wind speeds or a change in wind direction, reducing the likelihood of chemicals contaminating water bodies. This decision is crucial not only to adhere to environmental protection laws but also to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of aquatic life and surrounding ecosystems.

Increasing the spray volume could lead to more chemicals being applied than necessary, and might not effectively prevent drift. Proceeding with the application as planned disregards the potential risks and could result in significant environmental damage. Changing the direction of the application may not adequately mitigate the risk since wind conditions could still carry the spray towards the water, therefore not addressing the underlying issue of drift.