How far must a sanitary control easement extend from a public well?

A sanitary control easement is an essential component in protecting the quality of groundwater resources, particularly around public water supply wells. The correct distance of 150 feet from a public well is established by regulations to ensure that potential contaminants are minimized within the area surrounding the well.

This distance is significant in terms of public health and safety because it helps to safeguard the well from pollution sources, such as sewage discharges or agricultural runoff, that could compromise the water quality. The buffer zone created by the sanitary control easement acts as a preventive measure, allowing for careful management of land usage within that radius.

The standards set by regulatory bodies underscore the importance of maintaining safe distances from potential contaminant sources, especially in urban or semi-urban areas where the risks of pollution are higher. Thus, requiring a 150-foot easement helps to ensure a reliable source of safe drinking water for the community served by the well.