Prepare for the Georgia Residential Contractor Exam. Use flashcards, multiple choice questions, detailed hints, and explanations. Achieve success on your licensing exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the required distance for septic tanks from streams or tributaries?

  1. 50 feet

  2. 10 feet

  3. 15 feet

  4. 25 feet

The correct answer is: 25 feet

The required distance for septic tanks from streams or tributaries is set at 25 feet. This regulation is in place to protect water sources from potential contamination that could arise from septic systems. Septic tanks are designed to treat wastewater on-site; however, if they are too close to bodies of water, there is a risk that effluent could leach into these streams or tributaries, compromising water quality and endangering aquatic ecosystems. The regulation helps ensure that there is a sufficient buffer zone, which allows for adequate filtration and absorption of wastewater before it potentially reaches surface waters. This distance is based on considerations of soil type, slope, and the potential for flooding, all of which can affect how wastewater is treated and filtered in the soil. Additionally, maintaining this distance can help mitigate the risk of pollution to drinking water supplies that might be sourced from nearby streams or rivers.