What setback distance is required for a public drinking water well from a sewage tank?

The requirement for a setback distance from a sewage tank to a public drinking water well is critical for protecting the integrity of the drinking water supply. A distance of 100 feet is typically mandated to ensure that contaminants from the sewage system do not migrate towards the well. Contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals from the sewage tank can pose significant health risks if they reach the drinking water source.

Maintaining this 100-foot setback acts as a buffer zone that reduces the likelihood of contamination, providing an essential layer of protection for public health. This distance is based on studies and guidelines established by health and environmental authorities that take into consideration various factors, such as soil absorption rates and groundwater flow patterns, which may affect the potential for contaminants to reach the well.

Choosing a lesser distance, such as 10, 50, or even 200 feet, could either provide inadequate protection or exceed necessary regulations without additional justification, which is why the 100-foot setback is considered the standard requirement in most regulations.