The Hazards tab on a project records the distance, in feet, from the proposed well to nearby contamination sources. These distances document that the well meets required setbacks, which is essential for permits and regulatory compliance.
Quick Start: Record Hazard Distances
- Open the project
- Click the Hazards tab
- Enter the distance in feet to each nearby contamination source
- Leave a field blank if it doesn't apply
- Click Save
How to Get There
The Hazards tab lives on the project detail page.
- Go to Projects in the left menu and open a project.
- Click the Hazards tab.
What You Record
The tab lists the contamination sources a well must be set back from. For each one that's near the site, enter the measured distance in feet. Common sources include:
| Source | Examples |
|---|---|
| Wastewater | Septic, holding, or POWTS tank; sewage absorption unit or mound; privy; building drain or sewer |
| Fuel storage | Buried home heating oil tank; buried or surface petroleum tank; buried liquid propane tank |
| Surface water | Lake, stream, river, or pond; swimming pool; ditch or culvert |
| Waste and animals | Landfill; scrap metal / recycling facility; kennel; animal barn, yard, or shelter; manure stacks |
| Other | Storm or sanitary collector sewer; quarry; salt / deicing storage; grease trap; silo; milk house drain; any other contamination source |
Enter a distance only for the sources that are actually near the site. Leave the rest blank.
Take these measurements before drilling begins. Accurate distances support your permit and protect against future disputes.
The "No POWTS" Checkbox
At the top of the tab, check No POWTS components on site if the site has no Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System - that is, no septic, holding, or mound components.
Setback Warnings
If you enter a distance below a typical 25 ft minimum setback, DrillerDB flags that field so you can double-check it. Setback minimums vary by state, so verify your state's rules before submitting a permit.
Specific setback requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Consult your state's well construction regulations for the exact distances in your service area.
Saving and Clearing
- Click Save to store the distances with the project.
- Click Clear all to reset every distance on the form. Nothing is cleared permanently until you save.
Viewing Saved Data
Saved distances stay with the project. To review or update them, open the project and return to the Hazards tab - your entered values load automatically.
Compliance Documentation
The distances you record here provide documentation that may be needed for:
| Use case | Description |
|---|---|
| Well permits | Demonstrate setback compliance |
| Inspections | Show recorded distances to inspectors |
| Records | Permanent documentation of site conditions |
| Disputes | Evidence of proper well placement |
Troubleshooting
Can't save?
- Make sure every distance is a non-negative number
- Confirm you have edit permission for the project
Need to update a distance?
- Open the project's Hazards tab, change the value, and Save
Related Topics
- Field Reports - All report types
- Daily Logs - Daily activity documentation
- Project Details - Project information and tabs