What is the required distance between water lines and sewer lines?

The required distance between water lines and sewer lines is crucial for ensuring public health and preventing contamination of clean water supplies. A vertical separation of 18 inches and a horizontal separation of 10 feet is established as a standard designed to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. This distance allows for adequate spacing to prevent any potential leakage from sewer lines infiltrating the drinking water supply, which is vital for safety and sanitation.

The vertical distance helps ensure that if there were any disturbances in the soil or shifting of pipes, the risk of one line contaminating the other is minimized. The horizontal distance further ensures that even in the event of a leak, the contamination would not reach the water supply pipe. This spacing is supported by regulatory standards, which are constructed based on factors like soil conditions and the types of materials used for the pipes.

Understanding these requirements is essential for anyone involved in the installation or maintenance of water and sewer systems, as failing to adhere to these distances can lead to serious health risks and regulatory violations.