What is the minimum distance from drip irrigation with secondary treatment and disinfection to streams, ponds, or lakes?

The minimum distance from drip irrigation systems that use secondary treatment and disinfection to natural bodies of water like streams, ponds, or lakes is set at 50 feet. This requirement is intended to prevent any potential contamination of the water bodies from pollutants that may not be fully absorbed or treated by the irrigation system.

By maintaining a barrier of 50 feet, it helps ensure that treated effluent does not directly impact the water quality of nearby aquatic ecosystems. This distance is a regulatory measure designed to protect both public health and environmental integrity, recognizing the need for a safety buffer in the event of system malfunctions or runoff due to heavy rainfall.

Other distances, while they may seem acceptable under certain conditions, do not provide the same level of protection against the risk of contamination and are thus not aligned with best practices for preserving water quality in proximity to irrigation systems.