How far should water lines be placed from sewers horizontally?

The recommended horizontal separation distance between water lines and sewers is critical to prevent contamination of the water supply. Ten feet is a standard guideline set by various health and safety organizations and codes, including the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). This distance helps to ensure that any potential leakage or issues arising from the sewer system will not affect the integrity of the water line, thereby protecting public health.

This specified distance serves to accommodate natural soil contamination processes and ensures that the risk of cross-contamination is minimized. It is important for utilities maintenance workers to adhere to these regulations to maintain safe drinking water standards and prevent any health hazards that could arise from improperly installed water lines in proximity to sewage systems.