What is the required setback from soil absorption systems to streams, ponds, and lakes?

The correct answer, which is 75 feet, is established to ensure adequate distance between soil absorption systems and bodies of water such as streams, ponds, and lakes. This setback is crucial for several reasons, primarily related to the protection of water quality.

Soil absorption systems, which are part of septic systems, can potentially introduce pathogens, nutrients, and other contaminants into the groundwater or surface water if they are too close. A setback of 75 feet helps mitigate the risk of contamination by allowing for sufficient natural filtration and absorption capacity of the soil, which works to remove or reduce pollutants before they can reach a water source.

In addition to protecting water quality, this distance helps to prevent the physical interaction between the systems and water bodies during periods of high water levels or flooding, which can lead to system failure or overflow. Overall, this regulation is in place to safeguard public health and environmental integrity.

The other distances provided do not meet the risks associated with proximity to water bodies, making the 75 feet requirement the most appropriate standard.