What is the minimum separation requirement between irrigation and potable water lines?

The minimum separation requirement between irrigation and potable water lines is crucial to ensuring public health and safety. The rationale for maintaining this distance stems from the need to prevent contamination of the drinking water supply by fertilizers, pesticides, and pathogens that may be present in irrigation systems.

In many jurisdictions, a separation of at least 12 inches is established as a standard to minimize risk. This guideline effectively reduces the likelihood of any cross-contamination that could occur due to accidental damage or structural failures to either line. In scenarios where conditions may not allow for the required distance to be maintained, additional protective measures such as backflow preventers or alternative routing may be implemented to safeguard against potential hazards.

This 12-inch requirement strikes a balance between practicality and safety, ensuring that irrigation systems can operate effectively without compromising the integrity and quality of potable water supplies.