While planning sanitation for a rural household, a septic tank with a subsurface dispersion trench (soak pit) is proposed near an existing dug well. As per Indian standards, what is the MINIMUM horizontal distance required between the soak pit and the well?
- A 5 metres
- B 10 metres
- C 15 metres ✓
- D 30 metres
Correct answer: C. 15 metres
Explanation
Indian sanitation standards specify a minimum horizontal distance of 15 metres between a leaching pit or soak pit receiving septic tank effluent and any source of drinking water such as a well. This separation limits lateral migration of contaminated groundwater into the well. The location rule adds that the pit should be downwind and the bottom of the pit at least 1 metre above subsoil water level. Distances of 5 or 10 metres are inadequate and risk well contamination.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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