According to recommendations by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a septic tank should be at least 50 feet away from a well that is used for drinking water.
- The safety and effectiveness of a well depends greatly on its location. It is important to maintain safe distances between private ground water wells and possible sources of contamination. Possible sources of contamination and minimum distances from wells include: Septic Tanks, 50 feet from well
How far away should a well be from a septic tank?
Department of Health in many States requires that new septic tanks or human-waste lagoons to be installed at least 50 feet from a well. Septic tank drain fields must be at least 100 feet from a well.
What is the minimum distance in meters of a well from a septic tank?
At least 15m from the nearest water supply. This is a minimum and should be more if the ground is rocky and fissures could take the outflow further. It should be at least 3m from the nearest building. Avoid areas where rainwater would stand or flow over the tank or vehicles could drive over it.
How close can you build next to a septic tank?
– A full foundation must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area. – A slab foundation such as a garage must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area.
What is the minimum distance should be kept between well and toilet pit?
The pits can be located at a minimum distance of 10 m from the drinking water sources, such as tubewells and dugwells if the ES of the soil is 0·2 mm or less; and.
What should be the distance between septic tank and well in Kerala?
In chapter 16 of Kerala Building Rules, the minimum distance between a well and a septic tank is fixed as 7.5 m.
How far does a well need to be from a house?
Any contamination in your neighbor’s well can travel into your well. Some activities legally require more than a 50-foot zone of protection. As a general guidance, personal drinking water wells should have a minimum horizontal distance of at least 10 feet and preferably 25 feet from such boundaries.
How far does a septic tank have to be from a well in Texas?
The required separation distance between a water well and septic systems is 50 feet from a septic tank and 100 feet from drain fields or spray areas with minimum well construction specifications met. The Texas Natural Resource Information Services (TNRIS) maintains grid maps.
How far should drain field be from septic tank?
Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.
Can you put a garden over a septic field?
Planting over a septic leach field (drain field) is possible if it is done with care. If you have limited space on your property where you can garden, the leach field may be the only spot for landscaping. Vegetable gardening over a leach field is not recommended.
What is the safe distance between two borewells?
As per law minimum distance between two borewells is 250 meters as per WALTA Act.
What is the minimum permissible distance between compost pit and hand pump?
A minimum horizontal distance of 30 m between a pit and a water source is normally recommended to limit exposure to microbial contamination.
What is the minimum distance of drinking water from latrines urinals in meters?
(2) All such points shall be legibly marked “drinking water” in a language understood by a majority of the workers employed in the factory, and no such point shall be situated within 1[ six metres of any washing place, urinal, latrine, spittoon, open drain carrying sullage or effluent or any other source of
How Much Distance Should Be Between My Septic Tank and My Well?
EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development suggest that a septic tank be located at least 50 feet away from a well that is used to provide drinking water. This is also a requirement for loans sponsored by the Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, however exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. The Code of Maryland Regulationsrequires specified spacing between septic components and wells, which we discuss in further detail in the next section.
Recommended Distances Between WellsSeptic Components
As a result of local rules or soil conditions, local authorities may mandate greater distances between a well and a septic component than those suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency. When property limitations or elevation changes are involved, components can be brought closer together in other circumstances. The following are the regulations for distances between wells and septic components in the state of Maryland for wells that are intended for water distribution: d) 100 feet from identifiable sources of contamination and designated subsurface sewage disposal areas if the proposed well will utilize an unconfined aquifer as a water supply source; e) 50 feet from identifiable sources of contamination and designated subsurface sewage disposal areas if the proposed well will utilize a confined aquifer as a water supply source; and f) 50 feet from any sewage gravity or force main, except as provided in B(3) of this regulation.
The Maryland Department of the Environment’s Regulation of Water Supply, Sewage Disposal, and Solid Waste, Chapter 04: Well Construction, is the source for this information.
Possible Contaminants from Septic Systems
When a well is located too close to a septic system or other source of wastewater, a range of pollutants, such as the following, might infiltrate your well water:
- Salmonella and E. coli are examples of bactria. Viruses, such as norovirus or hepatitis A
- Bacteria
- And parasites detergents and soaps that include phosphorus. Chemicals derived from paint, drain cleaners, and other common home items
- Heavy metals, iron, and copper are examples of such materials.
These pollutants, when present in large quantities, can cause illnesses or disorders. If you have reason to believe that your well has been polluted, it is critical that you have your water tested as quickly as possible. If a problem is discovered, water treatment techniques such as chlorination, reverse osmosis, activated charcoal filtration, or ultraviolet light purification may be able to restore your water to a safe drinking temperature. If this is not the case, it may be essential to make repairs to the well or septic system.
Call Water Doctor for Water Testing or Treatment in Maryland
If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, our staff at Water Doctor can assist you with this. We provide water quality testing for wells and municipal systems, as well as a number of treatment methods that can assist in the correction of the majority of water quality issues in the area. In collaboration with you, our specialists can evaluate the most appropriate solutions for your demands and budget, whether it is a single system, such as reverse osmosis, or a mix of various systems, such as water softeners, charcoal filtration, and ultraviolet purification.
For more information on our water testing and treatment services, call Water Doctor at 877-677-9275 now! Since 1979, we have been providing residential and business services to clients throughout Maryland.
Setback Distance From Septic to Drinking Water Well – Drinking Water and Human Health
To treat and dispose of wastewater, or sewage, many rural people install on-site wastewater treatment systems (also known as individual septic systems) on their property. Among the impurities found in residential wastewater include disease-causing bacteria, contagious viruses, common household chemicals, and excess nutrients. By designing, installing, and maintaining a septic treatment system appropriately, the danger of contaminating the drinking water supply with these toxins is reduced significantly.
- A septic tank and soil absorption system is a wastewater treatment technology that is allowed in a number of jurisdictions.
- Alternative technologies may also be permitted in some cases.
- When it comes to protecting a private drinking water supply from pollution, while minimal setbacks are important, higher separation lengths are frequently preferable in many cases.
- The minimum setback requirements in Nebraska will be utilized as an example.
- A residential lagoon must be at least 100 feet away from a private drinking water well in order to be allowed to operate.
- Always verify your local legislation to ensure that the minimum setback distances are met in your neighborhood.
Well and Septic Distance Requirements for FHA Loans
To treat and dispose of wastewater, or sewage, many rural households install on-site wastewater treatment systems (also known as individual septic systems). Among the impurities found in residential wastewater are disease-causing bacteria, contagious viruses, common household chemicals, and excessive nutrients. A sewage treatment system that is properly planned, built, and maintained will limit the likelihood of these toxins entering the drinking water supply. Design, installation, and maintenance of on-site wastewater treatment systems are all governed by state and municipal regulations.
- An acceptable system in certain regions can be a residential lagoon.
- Separation or setback lengths between different components of on-site wastewater treatment systems and private drinking water wells are specified by state and municipal ordinances as a minimum separation, or setback, distance.
- It is established that minimum setback lengths are necessary based on local geology, and they will differ from one state or one region to the next.
- Septic tanks and soil absorption systems (leach fields and drainfields) in Nebraska must be at least 50 feet away from private drinking water wells, and a soil absorption system (leach field or drainfield) must be at least 100 feet away.
- There must be a distance of at least 50 feet between any sewer lines and any private drinking water wells.
Always verify your local rules to ensure that the minimum setback distances in your region are not exceeded. Resources Septic (Onsite) Systems is a resource from the United States Environmental Protection Agency that contains tools and ideas for effectively operating an on-site wastewater system.
FHA Minimum Distance Between a Well and Septic Tank for Existing Construction
Wells and septic tanks aren’t the only things that need to be separated from one another. As a result, the distance restrictions are primarily concerned with water rather than any other form of pollution. A septic tank, a drain field, and other sources of pollution are all possible.
FHA Distance Requirements Existing Homes
- Approximately 10 feet from the property border
- 50 feet from the septic tank
- And 100 feet from the drain field.
Despite this, there are occasional deviations in particular situations. The length of the septic tank drain field may be lowered to 75 feet if the local government approves it. Additionally, if the property line is adjacent to a residential property, the well distance regulations of the local government should be followed. However, if the land is adjacent to non-residential property or a public road, there must be a minimum of a 10-foot separation between the two properties. In circumstances where the local government grants permission for greater distances, this will take precedence over the restrictions outlined above.
In the case of a well or septic tank, it is strongly advised that you arrange a well water test and septic tank inspection prior to purchasing the house.
FHA Minimum Distance Between a Well and Septic Tank for New Construction
Certain exceptions do exist, though, and they are as follows: A septic tank drain field can be shortened to 75 feet in length if the local government approves the change. If the property line is adjacent to a residential property, the well distance restrictions set out by the local authorities should be followed. However, if the land is next to non-residential property or a public road, there must be a minimum of a 10-foot separation between the property line and the road or highway. The local government will have precedence over the foregoing conditions in circumstances when it permits greater distances.
It may be necessary in some instances.
- Ten feet from the property border
- Fifty feet from the septic tank
- Hundred feet from the absorption field
- And hundred feet from the seepage pit or cesspool Sewer lines with permanent water tight joints are 10 feet in length
- Other sewer lines are 50 feet in length
- And chemically poisoned soil is 25 feet in length. When impermeable layers of clay, hardpan, or rock protect the ground surface, the depth can be decreased to 15 feet. 50-foot-deep dry well
- Other regulations – always consult with the appropriate local authorities
Similarly to the current dwelling criteria, any local government regulations take precedence over the foregoing and may be followed. Another piece of advice for first-time home buyers is to make time to attend the septic system inspection. Not only may possible concerns be highlighted in depth to the borrower, but it also serves as an excellent educational opportunity. Learning how to maintain and service a septic system is an important part of a good education. HUD.gov is the official website of the Federal Housing Administration.
USDA and FHA distance requirements for well and septic
When working in rural communities, it is customary to have a property that is serviced by a private well. However, there are several crucial measures that must be taken into consideration while defining the minimum property specifications. This video guide will lead you through the USDA and FHA distance requirements for wells and septic systems, as well as what to watch out for during your next real estate transaction. If you have not already done so, please feel free to obtain our most recent “USDA Blueprint for Success” by clicking on the link provided below.
- As a brief refresher, USDA loans follow the FHA HUD Handbook criteria for minimum property requirements, therefore the distances and measurements in today’s video will be relevant to both FHA and USDA house loans.
- The following minimum distance restrictions between wells and sources of pollution are mandated by the HUD Handbook for existing construction: 1 tenth of a mile from the property line 2.
- In the event that the relevant Property line is near to a residential property, the local well distance regulations will apply.
- If the distance requirements of the local authority are greater than those specified in the HUD Handbook, the local authority’s requirements will take precedence.
- While houses with wells may need additional precautions, I always advise not to be afraid–instead, be informed, since information is power.
- As an Approved USDA Lender, we have the knowledge and skills to assist you in achieving your dream of becoming a homeowner.
Simply contact us by phone or email to discuss your situation and allow us to demonstrate the “Metroplex”difference! Sean [email protected] (800) 806-9836 Ext. [email protected] The following is the link to our “USDA Blueprint for Success” document:
How far away does a well need to be from a septic system in Florida?
The Florida Department of Health specifies a minimum distance of 75 feet between a private well for potable (drinking) water and a septic system in order to ensure proper sanitation. In the case of a public well, a greater distance is required, which varies depending on the number of gallons per day produced, whereas just 50 feet is required for a non-potable well (sprinkler system, for example). The following is how it is expressed in Chapter 64E-6.005 of the Florida Administrative Code: The location and installation of the equipment.
- It is prohibited to discharge sewage waste and effluent from on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems directly or indirectly onto the ground surface, or to discharge sewage waste and effluent into ditches, drainage structures, ground waters, surface waters, or aquifers.
- The location must be within two hundred feet of a public drinking water well, as defined in paragraph 64E-6.002(44)(b), Florida Administrative Code, if the well serves a facility with an anticipated sewage discharge of more than 2000 gallons per day.
- Other states may have different requirements for the distance between a septic system and a well.
- In most cases, once you have located the well, you will find that it is located to one side of the house and on the other side of the house.
- See the following blog pages for further information about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS: In Florida, what is the shortest distance between a septic tank and a house?
- What can I put in my septic tank to make it run more efficiently?
- What is the best way to determine if a residence is linked to a septic tank system or a sewer system?
- What is a grinder pump, and how does it work?
- In the event that my septic tank overflows into my home, should I call a plumber or a septic tank contractor?
- What happened to the septic tank?
- It is possible for a house to have more than one septic tank.
If the washing machine drain is diverted to a nearby piece of ground in the yard, is this permissible? Visit ourSEPTIC TANK SYSTEMSandWELLSpages for further blog entries on this topic, or go to theINDEXfor a comprehensive listing of all of our articles on the subject.
Knowledge Details · U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development
The Florida Department of Health specifies a minimum distance of 75 feet between a private well for potable (drinking) water and a septic system in order to be considered safe for consumption. In the case of a public well, a longer distance is required, which varies depending on the number of gallons per day produced, whereas just 50 feet is required for a non-potable well (sprinkler system, for example). The following is how it is expressed in Chapter 64E-6.005 of Florida’s Administrative Code: Choosing a location and putting it up Everything must be situated and placed in such a way that, with regular maintenance, the systems perform properly, do not cause sanitary nuisances or health concerns, and do not compromise the safety of any residential water supply, groundwater, or surface water.
It is necessary to take the following steps to avoid such discharges and health risks: System and septage stabilization facilities that are constructed after the effective date of the rule must be located no closer than the minimum distances specified for the following: (1) If the public drinking water well is located within one hundred feet of a facility with an estimated sewage flow of 2000 gallons or less per day, the distance between the two points is reduced to seventy-five feet under Florida Administrative Code section 64E-6.002(44)(a) or one hundred feet under Florida Administrative Code section 64E-6.002(44)(c).
- A public drinking water well, as defined in paragraph 64E-6.002(44)(b), F.A.C., must be located within two hundred feet of any facility that has an estimated sewage discharge of more than 2000 gallons per day.
- Additionally, if you are looking for the septic system in a home that you are contemplating purchasing, having this essential distance might be beneficial to your search.
- Please see our blog article for further information on locating the septic tank and drainfield.
- See the following blog pages for further information about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS: When it comes to septic tanks and houses in Florida, what is the minimal distance?
- In order for my septic tank to function more efficiently, what should I add to it?
- Can you tell me how I can identify whether or not a residence is linked to a septic tank or a sewage system?
- Yes.
- The septic tank needs to be pumped out every so often.
- Does adding a second story to my house necessitate the purchase of a bigger septic system?
- Plan on inspecting it, or are you just passing through?
- When it comes to the plumbing regulations, what is the difference between gray water and black water.
Is it permissible to disconnect the washing machine drain from the septic tank and direct it to the ground in the front yard? Visit ourSEPTIC TANK SYSTEMSandWELLSpages for further blog entries on this topic, or go to theINDEXfor a comprehensive listing of all of our articles on the subject.
- Property line – 10 feet
- Septic tank – 50 feet
- Drain field – 100 feet
- Septic tank drain field can be decreased to 75 feet if permitted by municipal authorities. a. It is necessary to comply with local well distance standards if the relevant Property line is next to residential property. If the subject Land is next to non-residential property or a public road, there must be a minimum separation distance of 10 feet between the subject Property and the road.
NOTE: If the distance between the two points is higher than that specified above, the distance requirements of the local authority take precedence. THERE IS A NEW CONSTRUCTION
- Ten feet from the property line
- Fifty feet from the septic tank
- Hundred feet from the absorption field
- Hundred feet from the seepage pit or cesspool
- Ten feet from the property line Watertight junctions on sewer lines are required to be permanently installed every 10 feet
- All other sewer lines are required to be 50 feet. Chemically poisoned soil – 25 feet (reduced to 15 feet where the ground surface is protected by impervious strata or clay, hardpan, or rock)
- Chemically poisoned soil – 25 feet (reduced to 15 feet where the ground surface is protected by impervious strata or clay, hardpan, or rock)
- Chemically poisoned soil 50-foot-deep dry well
- Other – refer to the minimums set by the local health authority
NOTE: If the distance between the two points is higher than that specified above, the distance requirements of the local authority take precedence. See Handbook 4000.1 II.A.3.aii(O)(2) and II.A.8.ivii(A)(6) at the end of this chapter for further information.
How Far Should You Put the Septic Tank From the House?
Image courtesy of Kwangmoozaa/iStock/Getty Images.
In This Article
- Amount of distance from the home
- Basic safety concerns
- Suggestions for a successful installation
For those who don’t have access to a municipal sewage system, an alternate solution, such as a septic tank and field lines, will be required. The design and operation of these systems are fairly straightforward. When designing a septic system, you must keep in mind the requirements of local construction codes as well as public health concerns.
Tip
Depending on where you live, local ordinances and regulations that specify the distance between the septic tank and the home vary. However, the normal minimum distance is 10 feet between the two structures. Consult your local ordinances and regulations for a detailed answer as to how far your septic tank must be installed from your home. Requirements differ from one location to the next, although the standard minimum distance from the home is 10 feet in most cases. In the case of a private well for drinking water, however, keep in mind that many state departments of health demand a minimum distance of 50 feet between a new septic tank and a well.
It is possible that the septic tank will be placed considerably closer to the structure since it will be easier and require less plumbing in some cases.
Basic Safety Considerations
If you’re the type of person who prefers to do things on their own, there are certain important measures you should take before starting this endeavor. Before you start digging the hole for the tank, call your local utility providers to find out where the service lines are located. A gas line, water line, phone line, or electrical connection that has been severed is not only potentially dangerous, but it may also be extremely expensive to repair. Once you have finished excavating the hole, proceed with caution.
It’s also important to understand that a concrete septic tank can weigh up to 5 tons.
Make sure the hole is available when the tank is delivered so that it can be installed straight in the desired location.
Tips for a Successful Installation
Plan ahead of time to get your water supply switched on prior to installing your septic tank. You must fill the tank with water as soon as it is placed in its final position for this to be possible. This has absolutely nothing to do with the septic system itself, but it is a prudent precaution. In the event of a heavy downpour, the groundwater may swell and a septic tank may float out of the ground, even if it has been buried. If this occurs, contact a qualified professional immediately. Repairing any damage done to the lines or to the tank itself, as well as putting the tank back in its original location, may be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.
Initially, you may be confident that you will remember the exact location of the marker when it is time to top up the tank — which is generally every three to five years — but your memory may fade over time.
In the absence of a marker, you may end up digging holes in the wrong place when it is time to service the tank.
Isolation Distances From a Water-Supply Well – EH: Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4725Rules Relating to Wells and BoringsEffective date: August 4, 2008The isolation distances below are fromMinnesota Rules, chapter 4725. Distances must bemeasured horizontally from the water-supply well.Minnesota Statutes, section103I.205, subdivision 6, prohibits constructing, placing, or installing anactual or potential contaminant sourcefrom a well that is lessthan the minimum distance prescribed by rule. The minimum isolation distance must be maintained between a new well and a contamination source, even if the contamination source is no longer in use. An isolation distance is not required if the contamination source and any related contaminated soil have been removed.Additional information andexplanations can be found in theRules Handbook, A Guide to theRules Relating to Wells and Borings, or bycontacting the Well ManagementSection.If you have questions about isolation distances not listed here, please contact the Minnesota Department of HealthWell Management Section.Questions? Contact theMDH Well Management Section 651-201-4600 [email protected] Department of Health
| Absorption area of a soil dispersal system | ||||
| average flow greater than 10,000 gallons/day | 300 | feet 1 | ||
| serving a facility handling infectious or pathological wastes | 150 | feet 1 | ||
| average flow 10,000 gallons/day or less | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Agricultural chemical | ||||
| tank or container with 25 gallons or more or 100 pounds or more dry weight, or equipment filling or cleaning area without safeguards | 150 | feet | ||
| storage or equipment filling or cleaning area with safeguards | 100 | feet | ||
| storage or equipment filling or cleaning area with safeguards and roofed | 50 | feet | ||
| buried piping | 50 | feet | ||
| multiple tanks or containers for residential retail sale or use, no single tank or container exceeding, butaggregate volume exceeding 56 gallons or 100 pounds dry weight | 50 | feet | ||
| Anhydrous ammonia tank | 50 | feet | ||
| Animal | ||||
| feedlot, unroofed, 300 or more animal units | 100 | feet 1 | ||
| feedlot, more than 1.0, but less than 300 animal units | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| building or poultry building, including a horse riding area, more than 1.0 animal unit | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| rendering plant | 50 | feet | ||
| feeding or watering area within a pasture, more than 1.0 animal unit | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| area to bury more than one animal unit | 50 | feet | ||
| building, feedlot, confinement area, or kennel, 0.1 to 1.0 animal unit | 20 | feet 1,2 | ||
| Building, building projection, deck, overhang, permanent structure | 3 | feet 3 | ||
| Cesspool | 75 | feet 1 | ||
| Cistern or reservoir, buried, nonpressurized water supply | 20 | feet | ||
| Commercial compost site | 50 | feet | ||
| Construction or demolition debris disposal area | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Cooling water pond, industrial | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Deicing chemicals, bulk road | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Drainfield (see Absorption area) | ||||
| Dry well (sewage) | 75 | feet 1 | ||
| Electric transmission line | 10 | feet 4 | ||
| Electrical transformer storage area, oil-filled | 50 | feet | ||
| Elevator boring, not conforming to rule | 50 | feet | ||
| conforming to rule | 20 | feet | ||
| Fertilizer chemigation tank, safeguarded, from irrigation well only | 20 | feet 5 | ||
| Floor drain, grate, or trough | ||||
| connected to a buried sewer | 50 | feet | ||
| if buried sewer is air-tested, approved materials, serving one building, or two or less single-familyresidences | 20 | feet 2 | ||
| Frost-proof yard hydrant or discharge of a frost-proof hydrant draining into the soil, | ||||
| fire hydrant or flushing hydrant | 10 | feet | ||
| Gas (flammable or volatile) pipe | 10 | feet 4 | ||
| Grave or mausoleum | 50 | feet | ||
| Gravel pocket or French drain for clear water drainage | 20 | feet | ||
| Gray-water dispersal area | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Hazardous substance | ||||
| tank or container, above ground or underground, 56 gallons or more, or 100 pounds or more dry weight, without safeguards | 150 | feet | ||
| tank or container, above ground or underground, 56 gallons or more, or 100 pounds or more dry weight with safeguards | 100 | feet | ||
| buried piping | 50 | feet | ||
| multiple storage tanks or containers for residential retail sale or use, no single tank or container exceeding 56 gallons or 100 pounds, but aggregate volume exceeding | 50 | feet | ||
| Horizontal ground source closed loop heat exchanger buried piping | 50 | feet | ||
| Horizontal ground source closed loop heat exchanger buried piping and horizontal piping, approved materialsand heat transfer fluid | 10 | feet 2 | ||
| Household solid waste disposal area, single residence | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Interceptor, including a flammable waste or sediment | 50 | feet | ||
| Land spreading area for sewage, septage, or sludge | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Landfill or dump, mixed municipal solid waste from multiple persons | 300 | feet 1 | ||
| Landfill, permitted demolition debris | 300 | feet 1 | ||
| Leaching pit | 75 | feet 1 | ||
| Liquid propane (LP) tank | 10 | feet 4 | ||
| Manure (liquid) storage basin or lagoon | ||||
| unpermitted or noncertified | 300 | feet 1 | ||
| approved earthen liner | 150 | feet 1 | ||
| approved concrete or composite liner | 100 | feet 1 | ||
| Manure (solid) storage area, not covered with a roof | 100 | feet 1 | ||
| Ordinary high water level of a stream, river, pond, storm water retention pond, lake, or reservoir | 35 | feet 2 | ||
| Petroleum | ||||
| tank or container, 1,100 gallons or more, without safeguards | 150 | feet | ||
| tank or container, 1,100 gallons or more, with safeguards | 100 | feet | ||
| tank or container, buried, between 56 and 1,100 gallons | 50 | feet | ||
| tank or container, not buried, between 56 and 1,100 gallons | 20 | feet 6 | ||
| buried piping | 50 | feet | ||
| Petroleum or crude oil pipeline to a refinery or distribution center | 100 | feet | ||
| Pit or unfilled space more than four feet in depth | 20 | feet | ||
| Pollutant or contaminant that may drain into the soil | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Privy, nonportable | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| portable (privy) or toilet | 20 | feet 2 | ||
| Sand filter, watertight; peat filter; or constructed wetland | 50 | feet | ||
| Scrap yard | 50 | feet | ||
| Seepage pit | 75 | feet 1 | ||
| Septic tank | 50 | feet | ||
| Sewage holding tank, watertight | 50 | feet | ||
| Sewage sump | ||||
| capacity 100 gallons or more | 50 | feet | ||
| capacity less than 100 gallons, tested, conforming to rule | 20 | feet 2 | ||
| Sewage treatment device, watertight | 50 | feet | ||
| Sewer, buried | ||||
| collector, municipal, serving a facility handling infectious or pathological wastes, open-jointed or unapproved materials | 50 | feet | ||
| approved materials, tested, serving one building, or two or less single-family residences | 20 | feet 2 | ||
| Solid waste transfer station | 50 | feet | ||
| Storm water drain pipe, 8 inches or greater in diameter | 20 | feet 2 | ||
| Swimming pool, in-ground | 20 | feet | ||
| Unused, unsealed well or boring | 50 | feet | ||
| Vertical heat exchanger (vertical) piping, conforming to rule | 35 | feet 2 | ||
| horizontal piping conforming to rule | 10 | feet 2 | ||
| Wastewater rapid infiltration basin, municipal or industrial | 300 | feet 1 | ||
| Wastewater spray irrigation area, municipal or industrial | 150 | feet 1 | ||
| Wastewater stabilization pond | ||||
| municipal, 500 or more gallons/acre/day of leakage | 300 | feet 1 | ||
| municipal, less than 500 gallons/acre/day of leakage | 150 | feet 1 | ||
| industrial | 150 | feet 1 | ||
| Wastewater treatment unit tanks, vessels and components (Package plant) | 100 | feet | ||
| Water treatment backwash disposal area | 50 | feet 1 | ||
| Water treatment backwash holding basin, reclaim basin, or surge tank | ||||
| with a direct sewer connection | 50 | feet | ||
| with a backflow protected sewer connection | 20 | feet | ||
| Additional Isolation Distances For Community Public Water-Supply Wells | ||||
| Highest water or flood level | 50 | feet | ||
| Property line, unless legally controlled through an easement | 50 | feet | ||
| 1 | A sensitive water-supply well must be located at least twice theindicated distance.Asensitive water-supply well is a well with less than 50 feet of watertightcasing, and which is not cased below a confining layer or confining materials ofat least 10 feet in thickness. | |||
| 2 | A community public water-supply well must be a minimum of 50 feetfrom this contamination source. | |||
| 3 | Awell or boring may not be constructed inside a building except as provided forby Minnesota Rules, part 4725.2175. | |||
| 4 | A well or boring may be located between 5 and 10 feet of anelectric transmission line, gas pipe or LP tank if the well or boring isplacarded, and work is not performed on the well or boring unless the electricline is deenergized and grounded or shielded, and the LP tank does not containflammable gas. | |||
| 5 | The 20-foot distance applies only to an irrigation well and afertilizer chemigation supply tank meeting the requirements of Minnesota Rules,chapter 1505. | |||
| 6 | A community public water-supply well must be a minimum of 50 feet from a petroleum tank or container with a capacity between 56 and 1,100 gallons, unless the tank or container is used to fuel emergency pumping equipment and is located in a room or building separate from the community well; and is of double-wall construction with leak detection between walls; or is protected with secondary containment. |
Title 12. Health
A sanitary survey is carried out. The district or local health department should investigate any evident source of hazardous or harmful chemicals within 200 feet of the proposed private well as part of the sanitary survey conducted as part of the sanitary survey. Items mentioned in Table 3.1 may be sources of pollution, but they are not restricted to them. Other sources of contamination may include abandoned wells, pesticide-treated soils, underground storage tanks, and other sources of physical, chemical, or biological contamination.
Unless otherwise specified, the minimum separation distance between a private well and any structures, topographic features, or polluting sources must conform with the minimum distances indicated in Table 3.1.
| TABLE 3.1 DISTANCES (IN FEET) BETWEEN A WELL AND A STRUCTUREOR TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURE | ||
| Structure or Topographic Feature | Class IIIC or IV | Class IIIA or B |
| Building foundation | 10 | 10 |
| Building foundation (termite treated) | 50 1 | 50 1 |
| House sewer line | 50 2 | 50 2 |
| Sewer main, including force mains | 50 3 | 50 3 |
| Sewerage system | 50 | 50 |
| Pretreatment system (e.g. septic tank, aerobic unit, etc.) | 50 | 50 |
| Sewage disposal system or other contaminant source (e.g.,drainfield, underground storage tank, barnyard, hog lot, etc.) | 100 | 50 |
| Cemetery | 100 | 50 |
| Sewage Dump Station | 100 | 50 1 |
| 1 See12VAC5-630-380 | ||
| 2 Private wells shall not be constructed within 50feet of a house sewer line except as provided below. Where specialconstruction and pipe materials are used in a house sewer line to provideadequate protection, and the well is cased and grouted to the water bearingformation, all classes of private wells may be placed as close as 10 feet tothe house sewer line. Special construction for house sewer lines constitutescast iron pipe with water-tight caulked joints or mechanical joints usingneoprene gaskets, or solvent welded Schedule 40 or better polyvinyl chloride(PVC) pipe. It is the responsibility of the applicant to providedocumentation from the contractor that such construction and pipe materialshave been installed. In no case shall a private well be placed within 10 feetof a house sewer line. | ||
| 3 Private wells shall not be constructed within 50feet of a sewer main except as provided below. Where special construction andpipe materials are used in a sewer main to provide adequate protection, andthe well is cased and grouted to the water bearing formation, Class III wellsmay be placed as close as 35 feet to a sewer main and Class IV wells as closeas 10 feet. Special construction for sewer mains constitutes ductile ironpipe with water-tight joints, solvent welded Schedule 40 or better polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe (SDR-35 plastic PVC with neoprene gaskets). It is theresponsibility of the applicant to provide documentation from the localbuilding official or sanitary district that such construction and pipematerials have been installed. In no case shall a Class III well be placewithin 35 feet of a sewer main. Likewise, in no case shall a Class IV well beplaced within 10 feet of a sewer main. |
B. Locating wells on the sloping terrain away from possible sources of contamination. When a well is located within a 60-degree arc directly downslope from any part of an existing or intended onsite sewage disposal system or other known source of pollution, such as, but not limited to, buildings subject to termite or vermin treatment, buildings used to store polluting substances, storage tanks or storage areas for petroleum products or other deleterious substances, special precautions must be taken to ensure that the well is not contaminated.
- The minimum separation distance shall be raised by 25 feet for every 5.0 percent increase in slope; or (ii) the minimum depth of grout and casing shall be increased by five feet for every 5.0 percent increase in slope, whichever is greater.
- No private well covered by this chapter shall be situated in locations prone to the accumulation of pollutants, such as marshy regions, low areas, or places exposed to floods, or in any other area subject to pollution.
- This includes the construction of well covers.
- Other criteria may be imposed as assessed by the division on an individual case-by-case basis.
- The boundaries of the property.
- A separation distance from property lines must be established by the owner to ensure that the well’s construction and location are on the owner’s land and in compliance with any applicable municipal legislation.
- Underground utility lines.
- The minimum separation distance may, however, be determined by the individual utility company or by local regulation in certain circumstances.
- Treatment with pesticides and termiticides.
- If a building foundation has been chemically treated with a termiticide or other pesticide, no Class IV private well may be located closer than 50 feet to the foundation, with the exception of those described below.
As close as 10 feet can be put between a Class IV well and a chemically treated foundation, provided the following conditions are met: Aquifers that are constrained must be used to extract water from wells or springs (i.e., there must be an impermeable stratum overlying the water bearing formation).
- At any depth greater than 20 feet below the ground level, the well must be cased and grouted to the first restricting layer that exists between the ground surface and a water bearing formation from which water is being taken; otherwise, the well must be abandoned.
- The material that is used to cover the restricted aquifer must be collapsible.
- Ground-source heat pump wells that are closed-loop are an exception.
- This is dependent on the architecture of the well.
- If the well is grouted for a total depth of 20 feet, the minimum separation lengths must meet with the requirements for Class IV wells.
- As long as the well is grouted throughout its full depth, it is exempt from complying with the minimum separation distances specified in Table 3.1.Statutory Authority32.1-12 and32.1-176of the Code of Virginia.
- Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are offered solely for the reader’s convenience and are not guaranteed to be live or up to date.
- The reader is recommended to consult the source material indicated in the regulation in order to confirm that the information included by reference is accurate.
As a result, we will not be able to reply to legal queries or provide legal advice, including the application of law to specific facts, on our website. An attorney should be consulted in order to fully understand and safeguard your legal rights.
Septic Systems and Drinking Water
1. Bathrooms and Kitchens Water from toilets, sinks, showers, and other appliances is called wastewater and can be harmful to human health. Wastewater contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients that could make you sick if it comes in contact with your drinking water well. Make sure the wastewater is properly treated by your septic system and that your drinking water well is located at the appropriate distance (set back) from your and your neighbor’s system. Avoid flushing other chemicals or medications down the drain or toilet since they could also contaminate your drinking water well. 2.- The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that holds wastewater for separation and treatment.
- Microorganisms act to break down the sludge and destroy some of the contaminants in the wastewater.
- Drainfield The drainfield is a shallow, covered trench made in the soil in your yard.
- If the drainfield is overloaded with too much liquid or clogged with solids, it will flood and cause sewage to surface in your yard or back up into your home. 4.
- While soil can treat many contaminants, it cannot remove all of them (e.g., medicines, some cleaning products, other potentially harmful chemicals).
- It’s important to avoid flushing medication and chemicals into your wastewater since it could contaminate your drinking water. 5.
- Groundwater The water below the water table is called groundwater.
- A drinking water well is at greater risk of becoming contaminated if it is in the path of groundwater flow beneath a septic system. 7.
- Deep wells located farther away from a septic system and not in the path of the groundwater flow from the septic system are least likely to be contaminated.
- Setback Distance Most states or local governments require a specific horizontal distance (or setback) between a septic system and a drinking water well.
- Contamination is less likely the farther apart a well is from a septic system. Consult your local health department about required setback distances in your area. 9.
Could my well be affected? Your septic system could contaminate your drinking water well or a nearby well under certain conditions. Remember to test the drinking water from your well regularly and take corrective action as needed.The contamination risk to your well is LOWER:
- B. Locating wells on the sloping terrain away from possible pollutant sources When a well is located within a 60-degree arc directly downslope from any part of an existing or intended onsite sewage disposal system or other known source of pollution, such as, but not limited to, buildings subject to termite or vermin treatment, buildings used to store polluting substances, storage tanks or storage areas for petroleum products or other deleterious substances, special precautions must be taken to ensure that the well is not polluted. In either case, the minimum separation distance should be: I raised by 25 feet for every 5.0 percent increase in slope
- Or (ii) the minimum depth of grout and casing shall be increased by five feet for every 5.0 percent increase in slope Sites in marshy or low-lying areas, or in areas prone to floods are examples of C-type locations. It is prohibited to locate a private well covered by this chapter in regions where pollutants are likely to gather, such as marshy, low-lying, or flood-prone areas, among other things. If a well is located in a flood plain, it must be designed in such a way that surface water cannot enter the well during a flooding event. Creating a well terminal 18 inches above the yearly flood level will be the bare minimum of such building efforts. In addition, the division may impose additional criteria based on the circumstances of each individual instance. D. The boundaries of a property
- This is referred to as the boundary line. According to the provisions of this chapter, there is no minimum separation distance between a private well and a property boundary. A separation distance from property borders must be established by the owner to ensure that the well’s construction and placement are on the owner’s property and that the well complies with any applicable municipal regulations. Utility lines are a type of infrastructure. There is no minimum separation distance between a private well and utility lines (electrical, gas, water, cable, etc.). However, the minimum separation distance may be determined by the particular utility company or by municipal ordinances. F. Treatment with pesticides and termites. An untreated building foundation that has been chemically treated with any termiticide or other pesticide is prohibited from being located within 50 feet of a Class III private well. If a building foundation has been chemically treated with a termiticide or other pesticide, no Class IV private well may be located closer than 50 feet to the foundation, with the exception of those specified below. There are further restrictions on the use of pesticides, such as termiticides, within five feet of a water supply trench. Providing the following conditions are followed, a Class IV well may be installed as near as 10 feet to a chemically treated foundation. Aquifers that are limited must be used to extract water from wells or wellheads (i.e., there must be an impermeable stratum overlying the water bearing formation). A minimum of 20 feet, or through the first restricting layer between the ground surface and the water bearing formation from which the water is extracted, must be cased and grouted into the well, whichever is larger. 3. When the first restricting layer is met at a depth more than 20 feet, the well must be cased and grouted to the first confining layer between the ground surface and the water bearing formation from which the water is taken. Material that collapses must be used to cover the above constrained aquifer. G. Ground-source heat pump wells with a closed-loop system are exempt. In some cases, depending on the construction method used, closed-loop ground-source heat pump wells may not be required to meet the minimum separation distances for Class IV wells specified in Table 3. The minimum separation distances for Class IV wells must be met if the well is grouted for a total depth of 20 feet. 2. For Class IIIA and IIIB wells, the separation distances must be at least 50 feet in length and must be at least 50 feet in width. As long as the well is grouted throughout its entire depth, it is exempt from complying with the minimum separation distances specified in Table 3.1.Statutory Authority32.1-12 and 32.1-176of the Code of Virginia. Notes on the Past VR355-34-100 3.4, which became effective on April 1, 1992, was the source of this term’s definition. In the Virginia Administrative Code, links to websites containing documents incorporated by reference are offered solely for the reader’s convenience
- They are not guaranteed to be active or up to date, and therefore should not be relied on. The reader is recommended to consult the source document indicated in the regulation to confirm that the material included by reference is accurate. The Virginia Administrative Code is made available online by the Virginia General Assembly as a service to the general public, and it is updated regularly. No legal inquiries or responses may be provided, and we are unable to provide legal advice or apply legal principles to specific facts. Consult with an attorney if you want to understand and preserve your legal rights.
The following factors increase the danger of pollution to your well:
- The well is at a shallow depth and in permeable soil
- It is downgradient of the septic system (i.e., groundwater flows from the septic system towards the well)
- There are many homes on septic systems near the well
- Or the well and/or septic system have been poorly constructed or maintained (i.e., contaminants can enter a cracked drinking well casing from groundwater or surface water).
