The State of Florida Department of Health requires a minimum of 75 feet between a private well for potable (drinking) water and the septic system. A larger distance is necessary for a public well, which varies according to the gallons-per-day of volume, and only 50 feet is specified for a non-potable well (sprinkler system, for example). 

    Here’s the way it is stated in the Florida Adminstrative Code, Chapter 64E-6.005:

Location and Installation.
All systems shall be located and installed so that with proper maintenance the systems function in a sanitary manner, do notcreate sanitary nuisances or health hazards and do not endanger the safety of any domestic water supply, groundwater orsurface water. Sewage waste and effluent from onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems shall not be discharged onto theground surface or directly or indirectly discharged into ditches, drainage structures, ground waters, surface waters, or aquifers.To prevent such discharge or health hazards:
(1) Systems and septage stabilization facilities established after the effective date of the rule shall be placed no closer thanthe minimum distances indicated for the following:
(a) Seventy-five feet from a private potable well as defined in paragraph 64E-6.002(44)(a), F.A.C., or a multi-family waterwell as defined in paragraph 64E-6.002(44)(c), F.A.C.
(b) One-hundred feet from a public drinking water well as defined in paragraph 64E-6.002(44)(b), F.A.C., if such a wellserves a facility with an estimated sewage flow of 2000 gallons or less per day.
(c) Two-hundred feet from a public drinking water well as defined in paragraph 64E-6.002(44)(b), F.A.C., if such a wellserves a facility with an estimated sewage flow of more than 2000 gallons per day.
(d) Fifty feet from a non-potable water well as defined in subsection 64E-6.002(39), F.A.C.

The distance required between septic system and well may differ in other states. Also, this necessary distance can be helpful if you are searching for the septic system at a house you are considering purchasing. Once you locate the well, it means the septic system will likely be on the other side of the house. For more tips on hunting down the septic tank and drainfield, go to our blog post How can I locate my septic tank?

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  To learn more about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS, see these other blog posts:

• What is the minimum distance from septic tank to house in Florida?

• What are the building code requirements for gray water reuse in Florida?

• What can I add to my septic tank to help it work better? 

• Why do septic tank contractors want you to get rid of your kitchen disposal?

• How can I tell if a house is connected to a septic tank system or sewer?

• Does a septic tank have to be re-certified if a house has been vacant for a while?

• What is a grinder pump? 

• How often should I pump out the septic tank?

• Should I call a plumber or septic tank contractor when my septic tank backs up into the house? 

• Do I have to get a larger septic tank when I build a home addition?

• Where is the septic tank? Are you going to inspect it? 

• Can a house have more than one septic tank?

• What is the difference between gray water and black water in the plumbing code? 

• Is it alright to disconnect the washing machine drain from the septic tank and divert it to the ground in the yard?

    Visit our SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS and WELLS pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.