Which statement about proximity of boat ramps to water intakes is correct?

Which statement about proximity of boat ramps to water intakes is correct?

• A. They should be located within 1,000 feet
• B. They must be located within 200 feet
• C. They should be located in the same area
• D. They should not be located within 1,000 feet

Answer: (D)

Keeping water intakes safe from contamination involves maintaining distance from activities that can introduce pollutants. Boat ramps are potential sources of fuels, oils, cleaners, litter, and disturbed sediments, especially during fueling, engine wash-downs, or heavy boat traffic. If a ramp is too close to an intake, these contaminants can reach the intake via runoff or backflow, risking water quality and increasing treatment needs. The recommended rule is that boat ramps should not be located within 1,000 feet of a water intake. This buffer helps minimize the chance that contaminants from recreational use reach the intake, giving pollutants space to dilute or be captured by appropriate drainage before they can impact the water supply.

Keeping water intakes safe from contamination involves maintaining distance from activities that can introduce pollutants. Boat ramps are potential sources of fuels, oils, cleaners, litter, and disturbed sediments, especially during fueling, engine wash-downs, or heavy boat traffic. If a ramp is too close to an intake, these contaminants can reach the intake via runoff or backflow, risking water quality and increasing treatment needs.

The recommended rule is that boat ramps should not be located within 1,000 feet of a water intake. This buffer helps minimize the chance that contaminants from recreational use reach the intake, giving pollutants space to dilute or be captured by appropriate drainage before they can impact the water supply.