By Cassie Prather, Public Health Director
Woodford County Health Department
Summertime is busy for a lot of us, both personally and professionally. That’s especially true in public health—and specifically in environmental health.
During the warmer months, we continue our usual inspections of restaurants, septic systems, swimming pools and other regulated facilities. But it’s also the time of year when complaints can quickly roll in and sidetrack our schedules. And, in many cases, the issue being reported may be a health concern without falling under the statutory authority of the health department.
Environmental health is one of the major regulatory arms of local health departments. We regulate the environments where food is prepared, the water we swim in and the way wastewater is safely treated and processed through soil.
But we often receive calls about issues that we do not directly regulate, even though they may still present a potential health concern.
If a complaint involves a facility or situation that falls within our regulatory authority, we can investigate and, when necessary, enforce compliance. If, though, the complaint involves a private residence or private property, the answer can be a little more complicated.
Regardless of the specific situation, if you have a question or are not sure where to turn, give us a call!
Even when we don’t have the authority to require a particular action or mitigation, we may still have information, resources or recommendations that can help. And, if the issue falls under another agency’s jurisdiction, we are happy to point you in the right direction when we can.
Mosquitoes. Mold. Rodents. Cockroaches. Sewage. Lead paint. The list goes on.
The answer may not always be to call the health department, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
When in doubt, give us a call. We are here to help.