What are the setback distance guidelines regarding septic and wells?
VA has no specific minimum property setback distance between the well and the dwelling or property line. Additionally, VA has not established a minimum acceptable “separation distance” between an individual well and a septic tank/leach field. However, there should be adequate separation distance between these facilities to preclude contamination of the well water by the septic tank or its leach field. Determinations such as minimum distance from property lines or “acceptable” separation distance between well and septic tank (or septic field) are typically made by the local/county building, planning, and/or environmental health authority. VA’s general individual (well) water requirements are found in VA Lender’s Handbook, chapter 12, Minimum Property Requirements.
