Environmental Health
The Jefferson County Public Health Service is a partial unit department and works closely with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) District Office in Watertown regarding Jefferson County environmental health priorities and concerns. The NYSDOH Watertown District Office enforces regulations that protect the public’s health, safety and environment related to food, water and indoor air quality in restaurants, camps, pools, beaches, hotels, motels and fairgrounds for Jefferson County. The NYSDOH Watertown District Office also investigates concerns about hazardous or unhealth conditions in and around homes and workplaces throughout Jefferson County.
Who to contact:
Watertown District Office
New York State Department of Health
317 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Watertown, NY 13601
315-785-2277
NYSDOH Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace and Outdoors
- To discuss your concerns about apartment building or rental property, contact your town or village code enforcement officer.
- To discuss your concerns about supermarkets or grocery stores, contact: New York State Department of Agriculture
- To discuss your concerns about a possible spill or chemical pollution, contact: New York State Department of Conservation (DEC)
JCPHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program page
FDA Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (November 2023)
Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock that gets into the air you breath. It seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundation, walls, and joints. It can get into any type of building--homes, offices, and schools. The greatest risk for exposure is where you spend most of your time – usually at home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke. You can't see, taste, or smell radon. The only way to know if your home has high radon levels is to test it. Radon test kits can be purchased from a hardware store usually for $10 - $30. Follow the test instructions to ensure the test is done correctly. If you have high levels of radon in your home, call a certified radon mitigator to install a system that will reduce the radon levels in your home.
Radon in Jefferson County
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend radon mitigation when a radon test shows levels of 4 pCi/L or higher. If the level is between 2 and 4 pCi/L you may also consider having your home fixed. Find a certified radon mitigator to install a system that will reduce the radon levels in your home.
Resources
EPA Resources For Home Buyers and Sellers
American Cancer Society Radon & Cancer
Boil Water Advisory
Boiling water is a very effective way to disinfect water contaminated by microorganisms (germs or pathogens) and make it ready to drink. The public may be directed to boil their water if something occurs that could contaminate drinking water. Common reasons for a boil water notice include loss of pressure in the water distribution system, loss of disinfection, and other water quality concerns caused by other events such as water line breaks, power outages and floods. Click here to learn more about boil water notices.
