Programs & Services
Drinking Water Systems
Our technicians check public and private waters for quality every day. They collect samples from areas throughout Miami-Dade County and bring them to our laboratory at the Civic Center. They also make sure that new water mains are free from bacteria and dangerous organisms. During a disaster, such as a hurricane, our team issues radio and television warnings and give special safety instructions when water may be contaminated.
*Ground Water and Drinking Water
Please click here for information on how to disinfect drinking water during an emergency.
Septic Systems
The purpose of this program is to inspect, issue permits and investigate complaints associated with septic systems, pumping companies, and septage and spreading disposal sites in Miami-Dade County. All persons who install or repair onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) must first obtain approval from the Miami-Dade County Department of Health. Installation of a system requires site and soil evaluation to prevent environmental contamination.
Swimming Pools
The Miami-Dade County Health Department conducts yearly routine inspections of more than 3300 public and commercial pools and public bathing places in Miami-Dade County. Pool Operator certification classes are provided to commercial, pubic and private pool operators. This certification is mandatory by Miami-Dade County ordinance and state regulations. The program staff also investigates safety and health complaints, and issues construction permits for acuatic facilities. For information about pools and the program, please click here.
Public Beaches
The MDCHD monitors water quality at public beaches every week. If the tests indicate unacceptable bacteria levels advisories are issued. For public advisories involving public beaches and coastal waters, please click here to visit the Florida Healthy Beaches website.
Food Services
The Miami-Dade County Health Department investigates all illness complaints involving foods or beverages and inspects, permits and investigates any complaints associated with the food service in institutional facilities. Institutional facilities are considered schools, child care facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, Adult Congregate Living Facilities (ACLF), jails, detention centers, residential group homes, bars and lounges having no food service, theaters with no sit-down food services, civil/fraternal organizations, and non-profit religious organizations offering food service to the general public.
NOTE: If you have a complaint concerning a restaurant or a place of lodging, please contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395 or online at www.myfloridalicense.com.
If your concern is a food outlet like a supermarket or a community market, please contact the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 305-470-6900.
Biomedical Waste Disposal
All facilities that produce, store, transport and/or treat biomedical waste are inspected and given permits for compliance with the Florida Administrative Code. The biomedical waste program is also responsible for investigating all complaints concerning medical waste dumping in and correcting improper procedures for handling of biomedical waste in regulated facilities.
Radon
The Miami-Dade County Radon Program provides information concerning the danger of radon, which is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is naturally emitted from the earth. The risk of lung cancer is increased with prolonged exposure to radon at excessive levels. Information on how to test for radon is available by telephone from the Environmental Health Offices or from the National Radon Hotline, (800) SOS-RADON (767-7236).
Sanitary Nuisances
The Miami-Dade County Health Department receives a variety of complaints from the general public concerning unsanitary conditions such as sewage, water, food, solid waste, rodents and other vermin. The department investigates the complaints and ensures corrective action is taken.
Foster Homes
The Miami-Dade County Health Department inspects and investigates complaints associated with the sanitary conditions of foster homes in Miami-Dade County. Facilities are routinely inspected prior to licensing to ensure that sanitary conditions are satisfactory.
Lead
Lead poisoning is one of the most serious preventable childhood illnesses. Therefore, Environmental investigations are conducted to determine the source of lead exposure for children whose blood test show high levels of lead.
Indoor Air
The Miami-Dade County Health Department investigates complaints of indoor air quality in residential settings such as homes, apartments, hotels and nursing homes that may have a direct effect on health. Investigators provide information concerning possible causes and counter-measures.
Smoking Complaints
This office investigates complaints from the general public concerning the improper use of tobacco products in the workplace and in public buildings. There is a toll-free number for information or assistance, (800) 337-3742.
