How Far Can My Septic Tank Be From My Well? (Solution)

The CDC recommends separating septic tanks and leach fields from wells by a minimum of 50 feet. Each state or county designates a specific setback distance for separation of wells and septic systems as well.The CDC recommends separating septic tanks and leach fieldsleach fieldsThe drain field typically consists of an arrangement of trenches containing perforated pipes and porous material (often gravel) covered by a layer of soil to prevent animals (and surface runoff) from reaching the wastewater distributed within those trenches.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Septic_drain_field

Septic drain field – Wikipedia

from wells by a minimum of 50 feet. Each state or county designates a specific setback distance for separation of wells and septic systems as well.

How much distance should be between a septic tank and well?

  • 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.

How Far Should a well be from a septic system?

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.

How far should a septic tank be from a water course?

The discharge (or outlet) from the tank must be at least 10 metres from any water courses or buildings.

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.

Can septic leak into well?

Septic systems can impact local drinking water wells or surface water bodies. The extent of this impact depends on how well your septic system is maintained and if it is used properly. Household wastewater is treated by a septic system before it filters into the soil.

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.

Does heavy rain affect septic tank?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

What are the 2020 septic tank regulations?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.

What are the new rules on septic tanks?

According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.

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 close can you build to a septic tank in Ontario?

Your well and all neighbors’ wells should be 100 feet or further from the septic system. There must also be enough land for a “repair area” that can be used if the system needs expansion or replacement in the future.

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 close to a river can a septic tank be?

Septic tank regulations Septic tanks are built underground and release wastewater slowly into the surrounding environment. For this reason, they must be a set distance away from a home. In addition, they must be built at least 50 metres away from water sources.

What to do after septic is pumped?

After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.

  1. 1) Get on a Schedule.
  2. 2) Take Care of the System.
  3. 3) Know the Parts of Your System.
  4. 4) Check Other Possible Issues.

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying

  1. Pooling water.
  2. Slow drains.
  3. Odours.
  4. An overly healthy lawn.
  5. Sewer backup.
  6. Gurgling Pipes.
  7. Trouble Flushing.

What is the recommended distance between a private water well and a septic tank?

What should not be flushed through a septic system?
  • Grease, oils, or fats from cooking
  • Pesticides
  • Paints and paint thinners
  • Solvents
  • Disinfectants and other household chemicals
To protect your drinking water quality, locate your septic system and all potential contamination sources as far as possible from your well. 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. However, many health departments have different regulations so check your local health department for requirements applicable to your location. Although an existing septic system closer to a well may be safe, it is important to maintain these systems properly. Additionally, a septic system should also be far away from large trees and shrubs that can cause damage. State health laws also require all household wastewater, including sink, tub, shower, and wash water, to enter the septic system. Discharging household wastewater off your property violates state health laws. Before installing a new septic system, check with your county health department for any additional requirements. As a general guidance, private wells which provide drinking water should have a minimum horizontal distance of 50 to 100 feet from such potential sources of groundwater contamination. It is recommended and sometimes required (depending on the state) that all wells providing drinking water be checked at least once a year for bacteria.If a man’s home is his castle, then the surrounding land is his kingdom. It makes sense for people to care for their environment and nature in order to ensure that future generations will inherit a better world. Our planet is marvelous in its infinite beauty; the least we can do is to become a better caretaker!.

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.

  1. A septic tank and soil absorption system is a wastewater treatment technology that is allowed in a number of jurisdictions.
  2. Alternative technologies may also be permitted in some cases.
  3. 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.
  4. The minimum setback requirements in Nebraska will be utilized as an example.
  5. A residential lagoon must be at least 100 feet away from a private drinking water well in order to be allowed to operate.
  6. Always verify your local legislation to ensure that the minimum setback distances are met in your neighborhood.

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.

Well and Septic Distance Requirements for FHA Loans

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.

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

A buyer who acquires a new house must meet a number of more specific conditions.

  • 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.

Knowledge Details · U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development

The following table shows the bare minimum distance that must be maintained between wells and pollution sources: CONSTRUCTION THAT IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY

  • 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.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. In the event that the relevant Property line is near to a residential property, the local well distance regulations will apply.
  4. 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.
  5. While houses with wells may need additional precautions, I always advise not to be afraid–instead, be informed, since information is power.
  6. 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:

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. Septic Tank Wastewater generated in your home exits through a drainage pipe and into a septic tank. The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container that holds wastewater for separation and treatment. The solids settle to the bottom (sludge) and fats, oil and grease float to the top (scum). Microorganisms act to break down the sludge and destroy some of the contaminants in the wastewater. Your septic tank should be serviced and pumped on a regular basis to make sure it’s working properly. Learn more about how your septic system works.
3. Drainfield The drainfield is a shallow, covered trench made in the soil in your yard. Partially treated wastewater from the septic tank flows out through the drainfield, filters down through the soil and enters the groundwater. 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. Wastewater Treatment in Soil Filtering wastewater through the soil removes most bacteria and viruses (also known as pathogens) and some nutrients. While soil can treat many contaminants, it cannot remove all of them (e.g., medicines, some cleaning products, other potentially harmful chemicals). If untreated wastewater surfaces in the yard, wastewater may contaminate your drinking water through an unsecured well cap or cracks in the well casing. It’s important to avoid flushing medication and chemicals into your wastewater since it could contaminate your drinking water.
5. Water Table The water table is found where you first hit water if you dig a hole into the ground.
6. Groundwater The water below the water table is called groundwater. Groundwater flowing underneath a drainfield captures any remaining contaminants released from the septic system. 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. Drinking Water Well A drinking water well is drilled or dug into the groundwater so water can be pumped to the surface. 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. Drinking water wells should be regularly tested to ensure your home’s water is safe to drink. Learn about private water wells.
8. Setback Distance Most states or local governments require a specific horizontal distance (or setback) between a septic system and a drinking water well. If the soil where you live is sandy, or porous, you may want to place your well farther away than the minimum required distance. 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:
  • The greater the distance between the well and the septic system
  • The greater the depth of the well and whether it is on bedrock or below a specified layer of silt or clay
  • And the greater the distance between the well and the septic system If your septic system is pumped and maintained on a regular basis, you can avoid this.

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).
Learn other ways to keep your private well safe from possible sources of contamination.

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

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 necessary. In terms of design and operation, these systems are fairly straightforward. When designing your septic system, you must take into account construction requirements as well as health and safety concerns.

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

When it comes to doing things on your own, there are several important measures you should consider before beginning this undertaking. You should check with your local utility providers to see if there are any service lines before you start digging a hole for the tank. Not only is it risky to cut a gas line, water line, phone line, or electrical connection, but it may also be extremely expensive to repair. Exercise cautious when you have finished excavating the hole. Cave-ins are common in sandy or weak soil, and they can cause serious injury or death if the walls of the pit collapse.

Never attempt to place a concrete unit into the hole on your own!

Can My Septic System Contaminate My Well Water?

In addition to being responsible for protecting the safety of the groundwater and drinking water on your property as a homeowner or company owner who depends on a septic system for waste disposal, A good example of how to accomplish this is through regular repair of your septic system. Toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines all generate wastewater, which drains into a septic tank that is subterranean, watertight, and contains a live filter. Solids sink to the bottom of the tank (sludge), whilst fats, oils, and grease float to the top of the tank.

Porous pipelines buried in soil, gravel, and sand transport the effluent to a leach field where it may be treated (drainfield).

Groundwater flowing beneath a drain field should be able to collect any impurities that have remained.

First and foremost, you must understand how your septic system and water supply interact with one another in order to protect your valuable drinking-water supply from getting polluted with potentially deadly germs.

How Does a Septic System and Groundwater Supply Interact?

You have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the groundwater and drinking water on your property when you are a homeowner or company owner who depends on a septic system for waste disposal. A good example of how you might accomplish this is by regular maintenance of your septic system. Septic tanks, which are underground and water-tight, are used to treat wastewater generated by toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry machines. Solids sink to the bottom of the tank (sludge), while fats, oils, and grease float to the top of the tank (foam).

In a leach field, wastewater is transported through porous pipelines that are buried in soil, gravel, and sand (drainfield).

Drain fields should be designed such that any impurities that remain are captured by flowing groundwater below the drain field.

First and foremost, you must understand how your septic system and water supply interact with one another in order to keep your valuable drinking-water supply safe from contamination by hazardous germs.

Septic Systems and Drinking Water

Septic systems clean wastewater for a large number of homeowners, many of whom also obtain their drinking water from wells on their properties. The presence of pollutants in drinking water can occur if a septic system is not functioning correctly or is positioned too close to a drinking water well. Learn where your septic system is, how to run it, and how to keep it in good working order to protect adjacent wells.

Septic Systems and Surface Water

The wastewater treatment provided by septic systems is essential for many households who also rely on private wells for their drinking water. If a septic system is not functioning correctly or if it is positioned too close to a drinking water well, pollutants from the wastewater might wind up in the water supply. You’ll learn where your septic system is, how to run it, and how to maintain it so that surrounding wells are protected.

When Can Contamination Occur?

1. The Problem of Proximity It is possible that groundwater will flow from the septic drainfield and enter and pollute the water that is drawn from the well if the septic system is installed too close to the well. Septic tanks and leach fields should be kept at least 50 feet away from wells for proper drainage. 2. The abundance of septic systems in the vicinity of the well When numerous septic systems are in operation on surrounding properties, the danger of contamination is significant even if your septic system is installed at an optimum distance from your water source.

Third, impermeable soil, if the soil on your property is not suitable for absorbing the water discharged into the drainfield of your septic system, or if the system becomes clogged as a result of improper use or lack of maintenance, the surface water and groundwater can become contaminated, making your well water vulnerable to contamination as a result.

How Can I Prevent Contamination of Well Water?

Distance and depth are the first two factors to consider. For more information on how far apart your well and septic system should be placed, contact your state or local department of health. A greater amount of space will be useful. A deeper well is also less likely to become polluted by water that has passed through your septic system, therefore the deeper the well is drilled, the lower the chance of contamination. 2. Keep your septic system in good working order. In most cases, septic systems need to be pumped once every 3-5 years, depending on the tank volume and quantity of home consumption that occurs.

3.

Once a year, or even more frequently if you have a shallow well that gathers surface water, you should have the water in your well tested for pollutants.

4.

Septic tanks are responsible for holding wastewater in a safe manner for extended periods of time.

When it comes to septic tank problems, the last thing you want is to have to deal with harmful germs from backflow, or tainted drinking water from an inadequately designed septic tank system.

5.

The prevention of preventable septic tank concerns, such as preventing foreign and hard items from entering your drains from within your home and safeguarding the building above your septic tank and drain field, can assist you in avoiding a groundwater contamination catastrophe.

Consequences of Groundwater Contamination Scientists warn of the hazards of groundwater pollution as a result of all the chemicals that are seeping and leaking into the groundwater supply.

Health Consequences As a result of groundwater pollution’s ability to rapidly enter the food chain, health repercussions are among the most serious hazards linked with it.

Water contamination increases in severity with time, and drinking polluted water may be extremely hazardous to humans, wildlife, and even farm animals if consumed regularly.

When groundwater is contaminated, the issues become worse in a cascade fashion, which has a negative impact on the economy.

Environmental Threats (No.

Toxic water existing in ecosystems may have disastrous consequences, including the extinction of whole habitats. Besides that, nutrient contamination has the potential to have catastrophic impacts throughout the entire environmental cycle.

Summary

Septic tanks are mostly self-sufficient, but if your septic system is neglected or damaged, it can result in devastating pollution of groundwater if it is not properly serviced. Pumping and maintenance should be scheduled on a regular basis to guarantee that your septic tank continues to operate at peak performance for many years to come. We at West Coast Sanitation understand that you are busy and do not have time to deal with septic issues. If you believe that your system has reached its maximum capacity, please contact us immediately to discuss your options.

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.

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.

Questions?

Contact theMDH Well Management Section 651-201-4600 [email protected] Department of Health

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