What is the required setback distance for a Non Gravel Packed Public Well under applying setback rules?

• A. 400 feet
• B. 50 feet
• C. 250 feet
• D. 75 feet

Answer: (C)

Setback distances protect drinking-water sources by keeping pesticide applications far enough away from wells to reduce the chance of contamination. When the well is a public supply and is not gravel-packed, it is more vulnerable because there’s less protective material around the well screen to filter out contaminants. That increased vulnerability is addressed by a 250-foot setback for this specific combination. The smaller distances would not provide sufficient protection for a public water supply well, while the larger distance would exceed what this scenario requires. So, 250 feet is the appropriate buffer for a non gravel-packed public well under these setback rules.