How far should potable water be located from a sewer connection?

How far should potable water be located from a sewer connection?

• A. 10 ft from sewer connection
• B. 5 ft from sewer connection
• C. 15 ft from sewer connection
• D. 20 ft from sewer connection

Answer: (A)

Keep potable water lines far enough from sewer connections to minimize the risk that sewage leaks, backflow, or cross-connection could contaminate drinking water. The standard minimum horizontal separation is 10 feet. This distance provides a practical buffer against contamination during pressure changes, backflow events, or leaks in the sewer system. Shorter distances (like 5 feet) are considered insufficient, while greater distances (15 or 20 feet) exceed the minimum but aren’t necessary unless site constraints require it; the key point is that 10 feet is the commonly required minimum.

Keep potable water lines far enough from sewer connections to minimize the risk that sewage leaks, backflow, or cross-connection could contaminate drinking water. The standard minimum horizontal separation is 10 feet. This distance provides a practical buffer against contamination during pressure changes, backflow events, or leaks in the sewer system. Shorter distances (like 5 feet) are considered insufficient, while greater distances (15 or 20 feet) exceed the minimum but aren’t necessary unless site constraints require it; the key point is that 10 feet is the commonly required minimum.