What is the setback requirement for a public drinking water well from a non-perforated distribution line?

The setback requirement for a public drinking water well from a non-perforated distribution line is 100 feet. This distance is established to protect the water quality in the well by preventing any potential contamination from the distribution line. Contaminants from wastewater systems can pose significant health risks, so ensuring a safe distance between these systems and drinking water sources is critical.

The 100-foot setback requirement is a widely accepted standard in many regulatory frameworks, as it provides a buffer that minimizes the risk of pollutants affecting groundwater, the source of drinking water. This distance allows for the natural attenuation of contaminants that may travel through soil before reaching the well, thus safeguarding public health and maintaining the safety of drinking water supplies.

Other distances such as 10 feet, 50 feet, or 200 feet might not adequately balance practical installation concerns and effective public health protection, making them unsuitable in this context.