Soil absorption trenches must be located at least how many feet from a private water supply?

When designing and installing on-site sewage facilities, it is crucial to maintain adequate distance between sewage systems and private water supplies to protect water quality and public health. The requirement for soil absorption trenches to be located at least 100 feet from a private water supply is based on the understanding that soil can effectively filter and attenuate contaminants, but this filtration capacity has limits, especially in the case of groundwater flow.

By maintaining a distance of 100 feet, there is a greater assurance that contaminants from the sewage system will not migrate into the water supply, thereby safeguarding the drinking water quality. This distance helps account for variations in soil properties, groundwater flow direction, and potential seasonal variations in water levels, which can all influence the movement of contaminants.

In contrast, shorter distances might not provide sufficient protection, increasing the risk of contamination of the private water supply. Therefore, the distance requirement is an essential aspect of site planning and regulation to ensure safe drinking water access for individuals using these private supplies.