What is the minimum distance groundwater monitoring wells should be from potential sources of contamination?

The minimum distance for groundwater monitoring wells from potential sources of contamination is established to protect the integrity of the groundwater and ensure accurate monitoring of any potential pollutants. A distance of 100 feet is often considered a standard buffer zone that minimizes the risk of contaminants from nearby sources entering the well water. This distance allows for some dilution and degradation of potential pollutants before they would reach the monitoring well, providing a more reliable sample of the groundwater quality.

In practical terms, this buffer is designed to account for factors such as soil type, groundwater flow, and the nature of the potential contaminants, which can vary in their mobility and persistence in the environment. Maintaining a distance of 100 feet helps to ensure that the monitoring data reflects the conditions of the groundwater and not the impact of immediate contamination sources.