What is the common minimum distance that an OSSF can be from a water supply well?

The minimum distance that an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) must be maintained from a water supply well is generally established to protect the quality of the water supply from potential contamination. A distance of 50 feet is widely recognized and codified in many regulations as the minimum separation distance. This requirement is based on studies that have shown 50 feet is adequate to reduce the risk of pathogens and contaminants migrating from the OSSF to the well due to the natural attenuation process in the soil.

Maintaining this distance is crucial for protecting public health and ensuring safe drinking water standards. The rationale is that groundwater can move through soil layers, and sufficient distance allows for filtration and degradation of harmful substances before they reach the well. Therefore, adhering to this 50-foot minimum helps mitigate the risk posed by nearby sewage systems.