Environmental Services
Putnam County Health Department
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Environmental Services covers a broad spectrum of services. Listed below are a sample of
the services Putnam County Health Department provides.

On-Site Sewage
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services contracts with the Putnam County
Health Department to provide On-Site Sewage inspections.

Most of the on-site sewage systems do not have to be inspected because of the "Over 3
Acre Law". Putnam County Health Department encourages a proper sewage system, give
the necessary education as to why it is needed, and gives the technical advice as to its
construction.

Some sewage systems will need a state permit and the Putnam County Health Department
has authorization to work these. We follow the on-site sewage permits as required.

The health department may investigate complaints "received from an aggrieved party upon
whom effluent is being discharge or is being adversely affected by disagreeable odor, or
an adjacent landowner."Sewage complaints must be made in writing. Click
here for the
form.
Investigations will not be conducted unless this form is completed fully.

The homeowner will be notified in writing of the complaint before the Health Department
may enter on their property, unless an imminent health hazard exists. Sewage complaints
are considered public records.

Food Service Inspections
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services contracts with the Putnam County
Health Department to "conduct inspections of regulated facilities/providers," including food
service providers. Facilities to be inspected included, but are not limited to, school
cafeterias, restaurants, temporary food stands, retail groceries, and food processor.

Inspections are conducted twice a year. Temporary food stands will be inspected once
each time they are placed into service.

Child Care Inspections
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services contracts with the Putnam County
Health Department to "provide sanitation inspections relating to disease prevention, safe
food handling, safe storage of toxic agents, cleaners and medicines, pest control safe
water supplies, safe on-site sewage disposal, and basic evaluation of lead hazards and
other environmental hazards in all regulated child care facilities."

Lodging Inspections
The Missouri Department  of Health & Senior Services contracts with the Putnam County
Health Department to "conduct inspections of regulated facilites/providers: including
lodging establishments. The Health Department's EPHS conducts inspections according to
the state guidelines.

All lodging establishments are inspected annually. They are evaluated for sanitation,
environmental hazards, and fire safety.

Water Testing
Water testing is available through the Putnam County Health Department for persons
wishing to have well water tested for human consumption. Water samples are collected by
the EPHS. The sample is sent to the state for testing.