How Much Distance Should Be Between My Septic Tank and Well?

According to recommendations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a septic tank should be at least 50 feet away from a well that’s used for drinking water.

This is also a requirement for a loan backed by the Federal Housing Authority, or FHA, though exceptions can be granted in some instances. The Code of Maryland Regulations requires specific distances for the distance between septic components and wells, and we outline these here.

How Far Does My Septic Tank Have To Be From My Well?

The minimum distance required between septic tanks and well water is 50 feet. Local authorities may require larger distances than recommended by the EPA, due to local codes or soil conditions. In other cases, property restrictions or elevation changes may allow components to be closer together.

In Maryland, the minimum distances required between wells and septic tanks are:

• “(d) 100 feet from identifiable sources of contamination and designated subsurface sewage disposal areas if the proposed well will utilize an unconfined aquifer as a water supply source;
• (e) 50 feet from identifiable sources of contamination and designated subsurface sewage disposal areas if the proposed well will utilize a confined aquifer as a water supply source; and
• (f) Except as provided in §B(3) of this regulation, 50 feet from any sewage gravity or force main.”

Source: Maryland Department of the Environment, Regulation of Water Supply, Sewage Disposal, and Solid Waste, Chapter 04: Well Construction

If the septic tank and well distance is too short, or if there’s a leak or failure in a septic component, it could result in a contamination of your well water.

What Contaminants Can You Get From Septic Systems?

When a well is too close to a septic system or other source of wastewater, a variety of contaminants can enter your well water, including:

• Bacteria: E. coli or salmonella
• Viruses: Norovirus or hepatitis A
• Phosphates: Detergents and soaps
• Chemicals: Paint, drain cleaners, and other household products
• Heavy metals: Iron and copper

In high amounts, these contaminants can cause illnesses or diseases. If you suspect that your well has been contaminated, it’s important to have your water tested as soon as possible.

If a problem is found, water treatment solutions like chlorination, reverse osmosis, activated charcoal filtration, or UV purification may be able to make your water safe enough to drink again. Otherwise, repairs to the well or septic system may be necessary.

Call Water Doctor for Water Testing or Treatment in Maryland

If you’re unsure about the quality of your water, our team at Water Doctor can help. We offer water quality testing for wells and municipal systems and a variety of treatment options that can help correct most water quality problems.

Our experts can work with you to determine the best solutions for your needs and your budget, whether it’s a single system, such as reverse osmosis, or a combination of multiple systems, such as water softeners, charcoal filtration, and UV purification.

To learn more about our water testing and treatment services, contact Water Doctor today. We have served residential and commercial clients in Maryland since 1979.