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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.
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