Septic Setback Distance FAQs

Septic Tank & Field Clearance Distance FAQs for various states & countries
Q&A on Required Distances Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.

Septic Component Clearance Distances to Decks, Porches, Posts FAQs

How close can a deck be built to a septic tank in Gloucester Va

How close can a deck be built to a septic tank in Gloucester Va? William

Moderator reply:

See CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

You'll find that "decks" are not going to be explicitly cited in septic codes or plumbing codes,
and that "decks" isn't clear: really the concern would probably be the location of the supporting deck posts - they'd better not punch through a septic drainfield, pipe, tank, trench, etc.
AND
the deck must not block access to the septic tank for pumping and cleanout

Septic System Component Distance to Drainage Ditch FAQs

Distance to open drainage ditch downslope 25 ft from my septic tank?

The county wants to dig an open drainage ditch downslope 25 ft from my septic tank and the system underground

Whats the required distance between septic tank and underground system and open drainage ditch down stream

We purchased a home in the county. It has a septic tank & system. We wanted to dig an open ditch to run floodwatwr on our property. What is the required distance by law between septic and open ditch? On 2019-05-03 by Anna

by (mod) -

Anna and Anonymous:

The issue is less likely one with the septic tank and more distances from the drainfield or absorption system - as you can read distances on the page above. Please check that data.

But be sure you are on-site when the work begins and that you point out the locations of your septic tank AND drainfield since driving equipment over either of those risks a disaster.

Cesspool or Seepage Pit Clearance Distance FAQs

Where do we start the point of measurement for seepage pit clearance distance?

Does the 100 ft clearance of your septic seepage pit and well get measured from where the well pipes go down into the ground start the measurement?

Or is the depth of the actual well count toward it?

If it doesn't, is there any 'grandfathering' in for older properties that do not meet the requirements? I'm in NJ. On 2018-10-13 by Debbie L

by (mod) - where to pull (measure) septic clearance distance measurements

The distance is measured on the ground surface, from closest edge of the septic field to closest edge of the well casing, at ground level.

Typically no one is going to come to your property and force you to upgrade a septic or well to modern sanitary and safety standards (for well water sanitation at any rate), but also typically, any new work or renovation or repair needs to meet current codes.

So, for example if a field has failed and is too close to the well, the new field will need to be re-located to a proper distance.

Septic Setbacks and DIstances for Specific Provinces or States

Tip: See the complete U.S. SEPTIC AUTHORITIES & DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS - start of this series where you'll find links to septic laws and regulations by country and state

Also see CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM.

• ARIZONA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• CALIFORNIA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• CANADA, BRITISH COLULMBIA - BC SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• CONNECTICUT SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• FLORIDA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• ILLINOIS SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• INDIANA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• MASSACHUSETTS SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• NEW YORK SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• NORTH CAROLINA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• OHIO SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQs
• PENNSYLVANIA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• SOUTH CAROLINA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• VERMONT SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• VIRGINIA SEPTIC REGULATIONS FAQS
• WISCONSIN SEPTIC RULES FAQs

• SEPTIC REGULATIONS in ITALY FAQs

How many septic tanks are allowed and how far apart do they have to be in Arizona?

Tip: See these AZ Septic Regulations

Can we have how many septic tanks and how far apart on our land in Garland county AR. We will hook up to city water How many feet apart?. On 2022-07-29 by Pam

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - how many septic tanks and how far apart

@Pam,

You won't find a code specifying a limit on the NUMBER of septic tanks, per-se; rather, your septic design engineer will specify an appropriate septic tank SIZE in capacity, depending on the anticipated daily wastewater flow volume.

Keep in mind that the septic tank size is rarely a limiting factor in designing an onsite waste disposal system; rather it's the handling of the septic effluent that leaves the tank for dispersal into the soil (and by evaporation).

That's a function, too, of daily wastewater volume, set further by the soil properties - the soil percolation rate.

So you'll need a soil perc test as part of your system design.

The clearance distances for septic systems from various site features are given above on this page.

Where and what are the Septic Regulations for B.C. Canada?

Tip: See CANADA SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS

Anonymous by private email:

My neighbour has installed a septic drainage for his rv last summer and lived in rv for 9 months. it is meters from a creek that flows from his property to ours. We fall under the ALR in Maple Ridge BC. I'm curious as I am concerned and wonder if it should be inspected. On 2018-05-30 by (mod) -

(mod) reply:

BC Septic & Sewage regulations are found at the link I give just below.

You'll see that in BC a sewerage effluent dispersal system must be 30 metres from a permanent fresh water body.

That's about the same as the 100 ft. guideline I gave you before. (30 Meters = 98.43 ft.)

See CANADA SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT REGULATIONS for details.

How far does the septic have to be from a deck being built in Connecticut?

Tip: See these  CT Septic Regulations

What's the distance from septic tank to deck in ct.? On 2020-05-20 by Anonymous

- by (mod) - Septic tank clearance distances in Connecticut

Anon:

Connecticut does not specify septic distance to a deck but does specify 10 ft. to building served - see Table 1 in the Technical Standards we provide in the Connecticut Septic Regulations link I'll give below

we give download copies of septic regulations at SEPTIC & SEWAGE TREATMENT CODES & REFERENCES

and for the United States, including Connecticut, see

SEPTIC & DESIGN CODES & SPECIFICATIONS U.S.A.

In that article you'll find CT for Connecticut Septic Regulations

Take care that a deck post doesn't punch through septic or sewer piping and take care that there remains safe access to the septic tank for periodic pumping and inspection.

Septic tank contamination of chicken and turkey farm in Indiana

Tip: See these IN Septic Regulations

The house at 127 Majo lN, and I have a problem with the sepic tank. There water and nasty water is running down in to my chicken pen and mash from the chicken down to my turkeys.

Ii cant get down to the second pen because there is so much water you cant feed them. At the first pen you go inside and it full of water and smells just like septic tank.

Dwayne Everidge lived there before me; and we have problems about him and ever since I got chickens and turkeys that I raise since they are real little. I live right behind the house he lives in. There going have be something done. - On 2021-12-27 by Debra A Waugh

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - septic sewage leaks into chicken & turkey pens

@Debra A Waugh,

Unfortunately that sounds to me as if the septic drain field has failed so sewage and effluent back up and leak, perhaps right at your septic tank.

Watch out: keep in mind that the problem is not just the smell, but it's a health hazard for you and for your animals.

Here's the Indiana Department of Health Onsite Sewage Systems Program information

Call your local health department or your building department and ask for an inspector to give you advice.

Or contact your state Indiana Department of Health

Indiana Department of Health
2 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-233-1325
Toll-Free: 1-800-382-9480

Required distances for installing a garage from septic tank and tail lines in Wilkes County North Carolina

Tip: See these NC Septic Regulations

What is the required distances for installing a garage from septic tank and tail lines in Wilkes County North Carolina On 2018-03-17 by Perry

by (mod) - North Carolina Septic Tank Clearance distances

Perry

North Carolina Septic Tank Clearance distances:

• septic tanks cannot be placed where there may be flooding every 10 years or less, unless the septic tank is watertight, anchored, and storm-water-entry-proof
• at least 5 ft. from any building foundation
• at least 10 feet away from property lines, water lines, and the up-slope portion of drainage systems..
• at least 15 feet between septic tanks and basements, embankments, drainage system side-slopes, and swimming pools.
• at least 25 ft. from property line
• at least 25 feet setback for groundwater lowering ditches and devices, and the down-slope of drainage systems at least 50 feet from any lake or pond
• at least 100 feet away from private or public water supplies, streams, and reservoir.

See NORTH CAROLINA SEPTIC SETBACKS & CODE [PDF]

retrieved 2018/03/17, original source: http://www.alamance-nc.com/envhealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2013/10/SepticRulesCompleteEff10012011.pdf
In this document see 15A NCAC 18A .1950 LOCATION OF SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEMS

How close can I build a pole barn to my leach field in Ohio?

Tip: See these OH Septic Regulations

How close can I build a pole barn to my leach field in Lucas County Ohio? On 2020-04-09 by Robert O.

by (mod) - ohio septic code details vs pole barn construction

Robert:

Ten feet but

Watch out: take care that you don't ruin your drainfield or leachfield by

• driving over it during pole barn construction or use or access when the barn is complete
• driving a pole barn pole or building component into soil so as to damage the drainfield

A peek into the Ohio septic code finds

(3) A STS shall maintain the following minimum horizontal isolation distances:

(a) All components of a STS shall be at least ten feet from any utility service line, roadway or road surface, driveway or other hardscape, property line or right-of-way boundary, properly sealed well, any building or other structure, areas with recorded easements, intermittent streams, swales, geothermal horizontal closed loop systems, irrigation lines and GWRS.

To assure that you're not in violation of the Ohio septic code, contact your local health district for specific information on STS permitting

You can contact your Lucas County Ohio health department directly at
635 N. Erie St.
Toledo, OH 43604
419.213.4100
Website: https://www.lucascountyhealth.com/sewage-treatment/

You can see the current OHIO SEPTIC CODE [PDF]

and a host of related septic guidelines and regulations for Ohio at

OHIO SEPTIC REGULATIONS

Septic Distance to well in Dillon County South Carolina

Tip: See these SC Septic Regulations

If u have a well already set how much clearance do u need to set a septic tank and drain lines and how close can u be to the property lines in the county of Dillon South Carolina On 2018-03-08 by Mike -

by (mod) - South Carolina's septic regulations & clearance distances

Mike,

South Carolina's septic regulations are at https://www.scdhec.gov/Agency/docs/septic-regs/61-56.pd but I've not been able to get that page to load.

You can also check with your Dillon SC Cooperative Extension at 200 S. 5th St., Dillon 29536 (843) 774-8218 (843) 774-7249

I found these South Carolina septic system distances & clearances

Minimum Distance from Septic Components in South Carolina

Separation Distances for Septic Systems*

• Building .................................. 5 feet
• Property lines ......................... 5 feet
• Private well........................... 50 feet
• Public well .......................... 100 feet
• Surface water ....................... 50 feet
• Drainage ditch ...................... 25 feet
  

*Based on S.C. regulation as of 1996. Additional separation distances are required for certain types of alternative systems. Check with your county health department for any changes or additional local restrictions.

Set back requirement for distance between a septic system and a natural spring or spring branch In the state of Virginia

Tip: See these VA Septic Regulations

What is the set back requirement for distance between a septic system and a natural spring or spring branch . In the state of Virginia On 2018-02-15 by Robert Hunt s

by (mod) - Virginia Septic Regulations and Clearance Distances

Robert

My recommended setback is 150 ft. as a recommended septic component setback distance, as we treat the spring as a "surface water supply" and as "septic system" is being used generically without specifics. Obviously site shape and drainage are important as well as the general problem of difficulty ever assuring that any surface water supply remains potable.

That's not specific to Virginia.

Searching the Virginia Department of Health http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ I could not find any guidance on setback or clearance distances for the state except as I give below, leading to a guess at 200 ft. for your situation.

I'm researching this question further.

Here is how the VA DOH describes the state's program at "Sewage Disposal System Construction Specifications"

ONSITE SEWAGE & WATER PROGRAM

Septic systemEnvironmental Health Specialists work to protect drinking water and groundwater resources by ensuring sanitary handling and disposal of sewage and protection of drinking water supplies.

We conduct site and soil evaluations (“perk tests”); issue sewage disposal system construction permits and inspect finished sewage disposal systems.

We issue construction permits for drinking water wells to make sure they are located and constructed properly.

We inspect and permit businesses which pump septic tanks and dispose of sewage.

We investigate reports of sewage spills or other kinds of groundwater contamination.

The following text is given at the bottom of what's essentially a blank sheet titled xxx on which the installer sketches the septic design:

Show the lot lines of the building lot and building site, sketch of property showing any topographic features which may impact on the design of the system, all existing and/or proposed structures including sewage disposal systems and wells within 200 feet of sewage disposal system and reserve area.

The scale drawing of the sewage disposal system shall show sewer lines, pretreatment unit, pump station, conveyance system, and subsurface soil absorption system, reserve area, etc.

When a nonpublic drinking water supply is to be located on the same lot show all sources of pollution within 200 feet.

You can find all of Virginia's Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water-services-updated/job-aid/onsite-sewage-forms/

How far does my neighbor's septic need to be away from my residential water well. I live in Northern California Glenn County

Tip: See these CA Septic Regulations

By Jimmy

How far does my neighbor's septic need to be away from my residential water well. I live in Northern California Glenn County - On 2017-05-08

Reply by (mod) re: septic setbacks from well in Glenn County California USA - Glenn County Sewage Disposal Code

Jimmy

Check the well to property line as well as well to septic system clearance distances given in the table given

at CLEARANCE DISTANCES, SEPTIC SYSTEM

Here are some excerpts from the Glenn County California sewage disposal code

20.06.010 Site Requirements

A. Sewage Disposal System Location: Locate the surface grade of all sewage disposal systems at a point lower than the surface grade of any water well, spring or reservoir on the same or adjoining property. When this is not possible, the site shall be located so that surface water drainage from the sewage disposal system is not directed toward a well or reservoir.

The sewage disposal system shall be located with a minimum distance between various elements as indicated in Table T-1. Soil absorption trenches in compacted areas, such as parking lots and driveways, are prohibited.

Surface water shall be diverted away from any sewage disposal system. All areas disturbed during the construction of the sewage disposal system shall be stabilized and revegetated prior to the first wet weather season after installation.

20.06.028 Filter Trench System

A. General:

The filter trench system is intended for use in coarse textured alluvial soils (leaching class 1, at least 40% of the soil passes the #4 sieve) with very rapid permeability where the water table remains at least 5 feet underground.

B. Siting Criteria:

All siting criteria for standard soil absorption systems in Division III of these regulations shall apply to Filter Trench systems except as modified by the requirements shown in Table T-9 pertaining to soil type, depth to groundwater, and water well setback.

Table T9 in your regulations and closely replicated at TABLE 3: SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES AFFECTED BY SOIL PROPERTIES & SEPTIC TYPE requires that the absorption field setback must be between 100 ft and 200 ft depending on the soil type at the properties involved.

Here is a complete copy of the GLENN COUNTY CALIFORNIA SEWAGE DISPOSAL CODE [PDF] - this is a 2.3MB PDF file.

Wisconsin septic code FAQs

Tip: See these WI Septic Regulations

Does anyone know how far a drain field should be away from a driveway in Wisconsin? On 2022-08-20 by Jackie

by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Jackie,

Wisconsin septic code does not explicitly discuss clearance distance from a driveway, and interpretations of the Wisconsin septic code simply state:

Avoid compacting the soil over the drainfield area. Compaction may decrease the soil loading rate causing the waste water to pond on the ground surface. Do not drive vehicles or build structures over either the septic tank or drainfield. These activities may cause cracks in the piping or tanks. - WI Wood County Private Sewage System Ordinance #702

Here is a copy of the WISCONSIN SEPTIC CODE - PRIVATE ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS Chapter SPS 383 -[PDF] Wisconsin Government website, local copy saved as Wisconsin-Septic-Code.pdf

A minimum of 10 feet separation between edge of a driveway and nearest edge of a septic drainfield is typical, but that's by no means the whole story.

You need also to

- be sure that surface runoff, including from a driveway, is directed away from the drainfield

- be sure that no vehicles or other heavy equipment will be tempted to drive on or over the drainfield

and of course no septic drainfield trench can extend under a driveway or other compacted area

See more detail at Wisconsin septic codes

Italy Septic Regulations FAQs

Tip: Also see this ITALIAN Wastewater Treatment Index [Website] interesting Italian resource

Septic Contamination Assessment in Cortona, Italy

Thanks for your useful article on sewage systems.

We have a sewage system with an imhof-type septic tank. It has a leach pipe leading off of it. We have a neighbor downhill from us who is concerned that our system may be contamination her well. The system is located in Cortona, Italy.

There are other sources of contamination around our neighbor's well. Can you suggest a method to test whether our septic tank is leaching into the neighbor's well, or someone else who might be able to help us? - Anonymous by private email 2019/06/12

Moderator reply:

Let's start by noting the distances involved. Even before considering soil type and probabilty of effluent from your system reaching the neighbor's well, every standard and code begins with making sure there is adequate separation distance.

We can proceed from that data.

Reader reply:

I would estimate 200 feet. and a vertical distance of approx. 30 feet, our septic tank being above the well. geologically it is pietra serena with areas of sandstone

thanks for your help

Moderator reply:

200 ft from well to closest point of the leachfield piping meets anyone's standard.

Stone formations could affect effluent transport if the leachfield isn't working.

Presence of e coli in their water would indicate septic contamination but not the source - that CV could be from elsewhere, even their own septic.

You would look for signs that your system is not working or improperly designed.

Sometimes a dye test can help but isn't 100% reliable.

Reader follow-up:

200 feet is from the septic tank to the well. The septic tank has a perforated leaching pipe attached; the end of the pipe is approx. 100 feet from the well.

Moderator reply:

100ft is normally enough, with an exception in note 6 to table 1a - you might want to print that article.

Excerpting from note 6

200 ft. The distance of 200 feet shall be maintained where fractured or jointed bedrock is within 7 ft. of the surface unless the results of a sub surface soil and geological investigation conducted by a professional geologist indicates that a lesser distance would not result in contamination of adjacent wells or aquifers. - [CO]