Georgia Septic Installer Practice Test

What is the minimum distance that bedrock must be below the proposed absorption field for a sewage management system to be permitted?

1. 1 foot

2. 2 feet

3. 3 feet

4. 4 feet

The correct answer is: 2 feet

The minimum distance that bedrock must be below the proposed absorption field for a sewage management system to be permitted is 2 feet. This requirement is established to ensure proper drainage and treatment of wastewater. If bedrock is too close to the absorption field, it can impede the movement of effluent, leading to potential backups and failures of the system. Maintaining a minimum vertical separation distance allows the waste to properly infiltrate and be treated by the surrounding soil before it reaches the bedrock. Insufficient distance could restrict the flow of effluent, increase the risk of groundwater contamination, and negatively impact the functionality of the septic system. This is why regulatory standards typically specify this minimum distance to promote both system efficiency and environmental protection.