What should be the distance from a sewer connection to the drinking water supply?

The appropriate distance between a sewer connection and a drinking water supply is 10 feet. This standard is established to protect the drinking water supply from potential contamination that could occur if sewage and water sources are too close together.

Maintaining a minimum distance helps to create a buffer zone that minimizes the risk of pathogens and harmful contaminants infiltrating the drinking water system. This distance is also influenced by local plumbing codes and best practices in public health, reinforcing the safety of drinking water.

Choosing 10 feet balances safety and practicality, ensuring that infrastructure can be installed without excessive spacing that could complicate urban planning and facility management. Other distances are either too close, posing a potential threat to public health, or unnecessarily far, leading to inefficiencies in water system design.