How far must a sewage tank be from a water supply well if the well has a capacity greater than 50 gpm?

In Connecticut, the distance that a sewage tank must be from a water supply well is critical for preventing contamination of the water supply. The state regulations specify that if a well has a capacity greater than 50 gallons per minute (gpm), the sewage tank must be at least 200 feet away from the well. This distance is established to ensure adequate protection of groundwater from potential contaminants that could leach from the sewage tank, thereby maintaining the safety and quality of drinking water for residents.

Choosing 200 feet as the required distance balances public health considerations with practical aspects of site development. Distances shorter than this could increase the risk of pathogen or chemical contamination entering the well water, especially since higher-capacity wells typically draw from a larger area and thus have a greater potential exposure to pollution from a nearby source.

As such, this regulation reflects a cautious approach in water supply management practices, reinforcing the importance of maintaining significant separation between sewage systems and potable water sources.