Georgia Septic Installer Practice Test

How far must septic tanks and absorption fields be from a governmentally owned reservoir boundary for public drinking water?

1. 3 miles

2. 5 miles

3. 7 miles

4. 9 miles

The correct answer is: 7 miles

The requirement for the distance that septic tanks and absorption fields must be from a governmentally owned reservoir boundary for public drinking water is crucial for preventing contamination of the water supply. A distance of 7 miles is established as a safeguard to ensure that any potential leaching of contaminants from septic systems does not reach the reservoir and compromise water quality. This regulation is important because septic systems can produce effluent that contains harmful pathogens and nutrients, which, if not properly managed, could enter water sources and pose health risks to the public. The 7-mile buffer is a precautionary measure, considering factors such as the travel time of groundwater and the potential for pollution spread, thereby protecting public drinking water sources in a comprehensive manner. The distance ensures that sufficient natural filtration and attenuation occur within the landscape before any septic effluent can reach the reservoir, enhancing public health and safety measures.