What is the minimum separation distance between a water well and a school well?

• A. 100 feet
• B. 50 feet
• C. 250 feet
• D. 500 feet

Answer: (C)

Protecting drinking water sources by maintaining safe separation between wells reduces the chance that one well’s water can contaminate the other and minimizes interference when the wells are pumped. Keeping at least 250 feet between two potable wells, such as a water well and a school well, provides a practical buffer so contaminants or drawdown from one well are less likely to reach the other. Shorter distances increase the risk of contaminant migration or hydraulic interference, while 500 feet offers more margin than typically needed. Always consider local codes and site-specific conditions, but the standard minimum distance between two potable wells is 250 feet.