What is the minimum horizontal distance from waters classified as S.A. to the mean high-water mark?

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Multiple Choice

What is the minimum horizontal distance from waters classified as S.A. to the mean high-water mark?

The distance is set to 100 feet from the mean high-water mark. In tidal or coastal waters classified as SA, regulators use the mean high-water line to define the water’s boundary because that line represents where water regularly reaches, including higher tides. By requiring a full 100-foot buffer from that point, the rule provides a conservative separation to protect water quality and public health, even during higher tides or flood conditions. Measuring from mean low-water or using a smaller distance would not account for the water reaching higher levels as often, increasing the risk of septic effluent impacting the water body.

The distance is set to 100 feet from the mean high-water mark. In tidal or coastal waters classified as SA, regulators use the mean high-water line to define the water’s boundary because that line represents where water regularly reaches, including higher tides. By requiring a full 100-foot buffer from that point, the rule provides a conservative separation to protect water quality and public health, even during higher tides or flood conditions. Measuring from mean low-water or using a smaller distance would not account for the water reaching higher levels as often, increasing the risk of septic effluent impacting the water body.

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