Author: Kailee Curtis

Water Supply Quality and Safety

The presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders; according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). BEDHD Environmental Health (EH) staff work hard ensure the water quality in the community is safe by monitoring and assessing ground and surface water, inspecting wells and public water systems, and issuing permits for water systems. The regulation of water supply and quality helps to maintain safe drinking water and protects our natural resources.

Key Positions
Environmental Health Sanitarians
Environmental Health Secretaries
Environmental Health Supervisors

EH Sanitarians investigated and assured 299 abandoned wells were plugged in 2017.

Meets Public Health Standards:

ü	Michigan Public Health Code
ü	Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation
ü	Public Health Accreditation Board

Health Improvement Efforts:

	Barry Community Health Assessment and Community Health improvement Plan
	Eaton Community Health Assessment and Community Health improvement Plan

Combined FTE: 6.0

Aligns with BEDHD Strategic Priorities:

Services:
BEDHD Environmental Health (EH) sanitarians provide oversight of public and private drinking water supplies, which leads to groundwater and surface water protections. This oversight consists of evaluation, issuing permits, and inspections of public and private water supply sources in the district. BEDHD EH sanitarians also investigate and work to correct nuisance complaints regarding ground and surface water, and well water systems. BEDHD collects water samples to monitor areas of concern. The health department maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) to track and map environmental health risks.
Goals:
Regulation and inspection activities around water supply quality and safety are meant to:
Reduce contamination of groundwater and drinking water resources
Maintain the quality of drinking water for county residents
Protect natural resources from contamination
Construct wells in areas away from potential sources of contamination

Healthy and safe food, water, and air
Protect the community from potential health hazards

FY17 Funding Sources for BEDHD Water Supply and Quality Services:

State Grants

Local Funding

Fees

Impact:
Environmental Health conducted 79 public water supply surveys, and issued 475 permits for public and private water supply systems in 2017.