WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The public health services provided ensure that we have water that is safe to drink, sewage systems to protect our community from diseases, clean restaurants to protect us from food-borne illnesses, clean and safe schools, and immunizations to prevent epidemics. This network of people working together form a tailored system that serves the citizens of Madison in an effective and efficient way.

Food Services

The Madison Health Department has developed a risk-based inspection system to improve safety and reduce the potential for food-borne illness outbreaks in Madison. All food service establishments in town are inspected by the Madison Health Department. A food service establishment is defined as any place where food or beverages are prepared or served for consumption on or off the premises including catering establishments, cafes, bakeries, food vendors at fairs and other public gatherings, itinerant food vendors, grocery stores, food facilities in nursing and rest homes, and cafeterias in the public and private schools.

Section 19-13-B42 of the Connecticut Public Health Code requires inspections be conducted on a regular schedule. The Madison Health Department ensures that these schedules are adhered to.

The Health Department also reviews all plans for new proposed food service establishments and additions/renovations to existing operations.

Investigation of Food-borne Outbreaks

Outbreaks of food-borne illness are investigated in a timely manner. The main concern is to stop the outbreak, interview ill consumers, area Doctors, food workers etc., find the source of the problem, take samples, and eliminate the reoccurrence by conducting thorough inspections.

Day Care Centers

All new day care centers are inspected by the Madison Health Department prior to opening. Day care centers are also reinspected every two years for relicensing and when there are any changes to the facility or the program.

On-site Subsurface Sewage Disposal

The Madison Water Pollution Control Authority is responsible for instituting all aspects of an aggressive sewer avoidance program. This program is implemented in part by the Health Department in cooperation with the Water Pollution Control Authority. One of the main components of the program is to ensure all on-site subsurface sewage disposal systems in town are functioning properly. This is done through the issuance of permits for all new and repaired on-site subsurface sewage disposal systems. The Health Department reviews all proposed site plans and design plans prepared by civil engineers to ensure compliance with the Connecticut Public Health Code. Once a permit is issued, inspections during all phases of construction are conducted. Location and method of installation are governed by the Connecticut Public Health Code and are enforced by the Health Department.

Well Water Supplies

The Madison Health Department is responsible for the approval of applications for the drilling of new wells, interpreting the results of water tests done for certificates of occupancy, and for well water collection and testing when pollution is suspected. The Water Pollution Control Authority in cooperation with the Health Department is also responsible for administering rules and regulations pertaining to the Aquifer Protection Program.

Housing

The Madison Health Department is responsible for enforcing the Connecticut Public Health Code and following up on compliance involving rented dwellings or multi-family dwellings where there is a potential public nuisance or a health hazard. Areas of enforcement include complaints of: no heat, unsanitary conditions, sewage disposal, water supply, drainage, vermin, lighting, ventilation, etc.

Communicable Diseases

The Madison Health Department maintains surveillance of communicable diseases and coordinates with the VNA Services on follow-up as needed. Follow-up is conducted for those suffering from tuberculosis, enteric diseases, hepatitis, and other reportable diseases as required by the Connecticut State Public Health Code.

Environmental Protection

The Madison Health Department works in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to investigate possible environmental contamination due to toxic spills, such as gasoline leaks, oil spills, and sources of water pollution. The Health Department is also available to answer questions about lead or radon and to interpret test results.

Recreational Areas

The Madison Health Department conducts inspections of all public recreational areas on a regular basis during the months when they are in use. Water samples at all Town beaches are collected and analyzed for bacteria. Toilets, bathhouses, and snack bars are also inspected.

Schools

The Madison Health Department is responsible for inspecting all school facilities for safety and health. The areas inspected include water and sewage systems, shower, locker and toilet facilities, chemistry labs, automotive, woodworking and other classrooms to address general safety issues. The inspections of the schools take place once a year.

Immunization

The Madison Health Department along with the VNA Services are responsible for encouraging immunization against childhood diseases such as polio, mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis which are required by Connecticut State Law.

Health Education

The Madison Health Department and the VNA Services work together to promote good health throughout Madison's population. Some programs implemented focus on radon and lead in the home, lyme disease, hypertension control, proper nutrition, adolescent alcohol and drug use and abuse, proper food handling practices in the home, etc. Health education programs are carried out through the school systems, the local library, speaking engagements, the media, and brochures.