How far must wells and underground cisterns be located from sewer pipes that have watertight connections?

The requirement for the distance between wells, underground cisterns, and sewer pipes with watertight connections is established to ensure the protection of drinking water sources from potential contamination. In many jurisdictions, including under TCEQ guidelines, the safe distance for wells and underground cisterns is typically set at 20 feet from sewer lines that have watertight connections. This regulation takes into account the potential for leaks or failures in the sewer system, as well as the importance of maintaining a sufficient buffer zone to minimize risks of any contamination that could occur.

By specifying a distance of 20 feet, the guidelines aim to create a protective barrier that helps to safeguard the integrity of groundwater sources. It also provides a margin of safety should any unexpected issues arise with the sewer line. This distance helps to ensure that any potential contaminants do not pose a threat to the well water or cistern water, which is crucial for public health and safety.

In contrast, larger distances such as 50 or 100 feet may be designated for different types of sewage systems or particular environmental conditions, but for watertight connections, 20 feet is the standard requirement particularly due to the minimized risk associated with such connections.