What is the required distance between septic tanks and absorption fields from a perennial stream bank in a large water supply tributary?

The requirement for maintaining a distance of 150 feet between septic tanks and absorption fields from a perennial stream bank in a large water supply tributary is rooted in public health and environmental protection standards. This distance is established to minimize the risk of contamination from septic system effluent, which can introduce pathogens and pollutants into surface water.

The 150-foot buffer helps ensure that any potential contaminants have sufficient distance to attenuate and be treated through natural processes in the soil and vegetation before reaching the waterway. This distance is informed by studies and regulations that take into account factors such as soil type, slope, and groundwater flow, which can influence how quickly effluent moves toward a water source.

By adhering to this setback requirement, septic system installations contribute to the preservation of water quality in neighboring streams, particularly those serving as large water supply tributaries, which are crucial for drinking water and habitat integrity. This distance is a critical component of sustainable land use planning and water resource management.