New York Septic & Well Water Rules

New York's residential septic standards are in Appendix 75-A of the State Sanitary Code (NYS Department of Health), administered locally by county health departments.

This is a short state page. It covers only the facts we've verified from official sources so far.

Septic standards

Appendix 75-A sets design standards for residential onsite systems, including soil and site appraisal (test holes and percolation tests where needed).
It sets separation distances from wells, generally 100 feet from absorption fields and 50 feet from septic tanks.

Private well testing

NYSDOH recommends testing private wells for bacteria at least once a year, and for other contaminants periodically, using a lab certified by the state's Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP).

Frequently asked questions

How far must a septic field be from a well in New York?

Appendix 75-A generally requires 100 feet from an absorption field and 50 feet from a septic tank, with greater distances in some conditions.

Sources

Last checked: October 21, 2026