Role: Protecting the Environment
The DOH plays a large role in the aftermath of an emergency, especially if the local water supply becomes contaminated with harmful bacteria, which often occurs after a flood. Some of these roles include:
- Testing water for contaminants
- Conducting food and restaurant inspections
- Conducting septic system inspections to ensure proper disposal of waste
For example, after Tropical Storm Isabel, over 1,100 property owners were provided well water sampling and approximately 70% of the wells tested positive for contaminants. Certified Sanitarians in the Environmental Health Bureau worked after-hours and weekends to ensure the residents of Anne Arundel County had clean drinking water.
