What minimum separation is required between a residential septic tank disposal field and a domestic service water line?

The correct answer, which specifies a minimum separation of 5 feet between a residential septic tank disposal field and a domestic service water line, is grounded in safety regulations aimed at preventing potential contamination of drinking water sources.

This distance is vital because it helps to reduce the risk of leachate or sewage from the septic system infiltrating the water line. Leachate can carry harmful pathogens and chemicals that pose health risks to individuals consuming the contaminated water. Regulations often establish specific distances based on soil types, local codes, and the potential for groundwater movement, but the 5-foot separation is a common standard in many areas to maintain an adequate buffer zone.

A larger separation distance may be recommended in specific circumstances based on local guidelines or environmental assessments, but the 5-foot minimum is widely accepted as an effective means to safeguard public health while ensuring functional waste management systems.