What is the recommended distance between a water supply well and a potential contamination source?

The recommended distance between a water supply well and a potential contamination source is 100 feet. This distance is established to help ensure that contaminants do not have an easy pathway to reach the water supply. The 100-foot buffer helps in safeguarding the quality of groundwater by reducing the risk of pollutants from surface activities, septic systems, agricultural runoff, or underground storage tanks infiltrating the well.

Regulatory agencies often set such minimum buffer zones, recognizing that groundwater can move relatively quickly depending on conditions such as soil type and hydrology. By maintaining this distance, the likelihood of harmful substances entering the aquifer from nearby sources is notably decreased, thus protecting public health and environmental quality.