What is the recommended distance a septic tank should be from a water supply?

The recommended distance of 100 feet between a septic tank and a water supply is based on public health guidelines designed to minimize the risk of contamination. This distance helps to ensure that any pathogens or pollutants that may leach from the septic tank do not migrate into the water supply, which is crucial for maintaining safe drinking water.

Septic systems can produce effluent that contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients, all of which can compromise the quality of nearby water sources. By maintaining a distance of 100 feet, the natural soil filtration process can provide an additional buffer, allowing time for contaminants to break down and minimizing the potential for them to reach the water supply.

This separation distance is also supported by local and state regulations, which emphasize the importance of protecting public health through proper septic system placement. Such regulations are designed to prevent scenarios that could lead to public health issues, ensuring that individuals have access to safe and reliable drinking water while effectively managing wastewater.