What is the minimum distance a septic tank must be from a well?

The minimum distance a septic tank must be from a well is set at 100 feet to ensure the protection of drinking water sources from contamination. This regulation is crucial because septic tanks contain wastewater that can contain harmful pathogens, nutrients, and chemicals. If a septic tank is too close to a well, the potential for these contaminants to seep into the groundwater, which supplies the well, increases significantly.

Maintaining a buffer of 100 feet helps to minimize the risk of pollution and safeguard public health. This distance ensures that any contaminants from the septic system have a greater chance of being naturally filtered through the soil and may degrade before they reach the water supply. Such regulations are part of broader public health and environmental protection measures that govern septic system installations and their proximity to water sources.

A greater distance, such as 150 feet or more, although it might provide additional safety, is not required according to standard regulations, while a distance of 50 feet may not adequately protect the water source from contamination. Hence, a 100-foot separation is recognized as a balanced and effective standard.