What is the required distance between public water supply lines and sewer pipes with watertight joints?

The correct answer regarding the required distance between public water supply lines and sewer pipes with watertight joints is 10 feet. This minimum separation distance is specified to prevent contamination of potable water supplies, which is crucial for public health.

The concern is that even watertight joints can have vulnerabilities that allow for possible infiltration or leakage over time. By maintaining a distance of 10 feet, it ensures a safety buffer that protects the integrity of the clean water supply from any potential contaminants that might migrate from the sewer lines.

In situations where less distance is allowed, such as in certain regulations or specific configurations, additional safeguards must usually be in place to ensure the safety of the water supply, which reinforces the importance of adhering to the 10-foot guideline in standard practice.