The following provides the minimum distance required between wells and sources of pollution:  

EXISTING CONSTRUCTION

• Property Line – 10 feet
• Septic Tank – 50 feet
• Drain field – 100 feet
• Septic tank drain field reduced to 75 feet if allowed by local authority
• If the subject Property line is adjacent to residential Property then local well distance requirements prevail.
• If the subject Property is adjacent to non-residential Property or roadway, there needs to be a separation distance of at least 10 feet from the property line. 

NOTE: Distance requirements of local authority prevail if greater than stated above. 

NEW CONSTRUCTION

• Property Line – 10 feet
• Septic Tank – 50 feet
• Absorption Field – 100 feet
• Seepage pit or cesspool – 100 feet
• Sewer lines with permanent water tight joints – 10 feet
• Other sewer lines – 50 feet
• Chemically poisoned soil – 25 feet (reduced to 15 feet where ground surface is protected by impervious strata or clay, hardpan or rock)
• Dry well – 50 feet
• Other – refer to local health authority minimums

NOTE: Distance requirements of local authority prevail if greater than stated above. 


For additional information see Handbook 4000.1 II.A.3.a.ii(O)(2) and II.A.8.i.vii(A)(6) at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/administration/hudclips/handbooks/hsgh

All policy information contained in this knowledge base article is based upon the referenced HUD policy document. Any lending or insuring decisions should adhere to the specific information contained in that underlying policy document.