Protect Shohola Water and Communities: Reject the Zero‑Foot Well Setback
The Issue
What is happening?
Shohola Township is considering a zoning change that would reduce the required distance between private drinking water wells and property lines from 10 feet to zero feet.
This change would allow wells to be installed directly on property lines, including very close to roads and neighboring properties.
Once adopted, this change would become permanent Township law.
Why this matters:
Homes in Walker Lake and local communities rely on private wells and septic systems. The current 10‑foot well setback provides an important safeguard by:
- Creating separation between wells and potential contamination sources
- Limiting how densely homes can be built on small lots
- Helping protect groundwater, nearby lakes, and shared water resources
Reducing this setback to zero removes a long‑standing protection and increases development pressure in areas already challenged by close well and septic spacing.
Potential impacts of a zero‑foot setback:
If approved, this change could:
- Increase housing density on small lots
- Allow wells to be placed directly next to roads or neighboring properties
- Increase risks to groundwater and water quality
- Permanently alter the character and livability of the community
These impacts affect the entire community, not just individual properties.
What we are asking for:
We respectfully ask the Shohola Township Board of Supervisors to:
- Reject the proposed zero‑foot well setback, and
- Maintain the existing 10‑foot well‑to‑property‑line requirement
The current standard is a reasonable protection that should not be removed.
How you can help:
By signing this petition, you are asking Township leaders to:
- Protect drinking water, groundwater resources, and our lake
- Preserve the character and livability of our community
If you are a resident or property owner in the Township of Shohola, please sign and share this petition with neighbors, seasonal homeowners, and anyone who cares about responsible land use and clean water in Shohola Township.
Once this change becomes law, it will be difficult to undo. Add your name now.
390
The Issue
What is happening?
Shohola Township is considering a zoning change that would reduce the required distance between private drinking water wells and property lines from 10 feet to zero feet.
This change would allow wells to be installed directly on property lines, including very close to roads and neighboring properties.
Once adopted, this change would become permanent Township law.
Why this matters:
Homes in Walker Lake and local communities rely on private wells and septic systems. The current 10‑foot well setback provides an important safeguard by:
- Creating separation between wells and potential contamination sources
- Limiting how densely homes can be built on small lots
- Helping protect groundwater, nearby lakes, and shared water resources
Reducing this setback to zero removes a long‑standing protection and increases development pressure in areas already challenged by close well and septic spacing.
Potential impacts of a zero‑foot setback:
If approved, this change could:
- Increase housing density on small lots
- Allow wells to be placed directly next to roads or neighboring properties
- Increase risks to groundwater and water quality
- Permanently alter the character and livability of the community
These impacts affect the entire community, not just individual properties.
What we are asking for:
We respectfully ask the Shohola Township Board of Supervisors to:
- Reject the proposed zero‑foot well setback, and
- Maintain the existing 10‑foot well‑to‑property‑line requirement
The current standard is a reasonable protection that should not be removed.
How you can help:
By signing this petition, you are asking Township leaders to:
- Protect drinking water, groundwater resources, and our lake
- Preserve the character and livability of our community
If you are a resident or property owner in the Township of Shohola, please sign and share this petition with neighbors, seasonal homeowners, and anyone who cares about responsible land use and clean water in Shohola Township.
Once this change becomes law, it will be difficult to undo. Add your name now.
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
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Petition created on March 13, 2026