What is the minimum separation distance between a water well and a swimming pool in ground?

What is the minimum separation distance between a water well and a swimming pool in ground?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 20 feet

Answer: (C)

The minimum distance question is about protecting a drinking-water supply by keeping a safe buffer between the well and a source that could introduce contaminants, like an in-ground pool. Pool water, backwash, and any chemical spills or leaks can seep into the surrounding soil and potentially reach the groundwater near the well. A buffer helps dilute and degrade those contaminants before they could affect the well. In Wisconsin, the required horizontal separation from an in-ground swimming pool to a potable water well is 15 feet. Five or ten feet wouldn’t provide enough protection against seepage or splashed water carrying chlorine and other chemicals, while twenty feet is larger than necessary for the code’s minimum. So, fifteen feet is the appropriate minimum.

The minimum distance question is about protecting a drinking-water supply by keeping a safe buffer between the well and a source that could introduce contaminants, like an in-ground pool. Pool water, backwash, and any chemical spills or leaks can seep into the surrounding soil and potentially reach the groundwater near the well. A buffer helps dilute and degrade those contaminants before they could affect the well.

In Wisconsin, the required horizontal separation from an in-ground swimming pool to a potable water well is 15 feet. Five or ten feet wouldn’t provide enough protection against seepage or splashed water carrying chlorine and other chemicals, while twenty feet is larger than necessary for the code’s minimum. So, fifteen feet is the appropriate minimum.