Environmental Health
San Juan County has a wonderful environment, clean air, clean water, thousands of acres of unspoiled public lands to enjoy. San Juan Public Health’s Division of Environmental Health is here to help you. Please browse through the many programs offered here. And remember, questions and consultations are free of charge.
For Environmental Health Information, please contact:
Main Office: 435-587-3838
Email: publichealth@sanjuancountyut.gov
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, Closed Major Holidays
Environmental Quality
Water Quality
One of the many responsibilities of San Juan Public Health is to support the Utah Department of Environmental Quality in monitoring water quality issues associated with specific public health concerns. Lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater, standing water, and surface water are monitored for potential issues related to E. coli, mercury, harmful algal blooms, and other public health concerns.
Drinking Water
San Juan Public Health’s Environmental Director works with the State of Utah and the Department of Environmental Quality to inspect drinking water systems at public campgrounds, schools, and municipalities in San Juan County, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding the health of residents and visitors alike. In addition to public water testing, San Juan Public Health provides necessary resources for private water chemistry testing. This is done in conjunction with the Southeast Utah Health Department Water Lab.
- Drinking Water (per water sample) $35.00 lab fee.
- Sample bottles and collection instruction cards are available free of charge at the San Juan Public Health Department.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, call 435-587-3838 during regular business hours.
Waste Water
All septic wastewater systems in San Juan County are inspected and permitted by San Juan Public Health. In addition to inspections, records of septic systems within the county are maintained and provided to residents upon request.
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- Individual wastewater system permits $440.00 plus mileage
- Wastewater system recertification $78.00 plus mileage
- Septic System Records Search Fee $25.00
For more information or to schedule an inspection, call 435-587-3838 during regular business hours.
Air Quality
Air quality issues, including asbestos, lead-based paint, smoke, dust, and other hazards, are monitored by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (Division of Air Quality). Consultations and questions are answered for free. For air quality concerns, contact (801) 536-4000.
Radon
Between 1973 and 2019, there were approximately 6278 fatalities in Utah attributable to lung cancer caused by radon gas (based on World Health Organization general estimates that 14% – 25% of lung cancer cases are attributable to radon gas).
Thousands of fatalities before 1973 from radon gas are likely as well. To date, the number of lung cancer fatalities caused by radon gas makes radon gas Utah’s most deadly geologic hazard.
Geologic conditions directly affect indoor radon gas concentrations; however, these concentrations are also highly dependent on building construction methods. Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in nearly all rock and soil. When geologic and building conditions are favorable, the potential for high indoor radon levels increases.
The Good News
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- You can test for radon. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon.
- A radon problem is fixable. Radon reduction systems work, and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels.
Testing for Radon and Additional Information
Information about radon and testing for radon from Utah Division of Air Quality: Radon Program (external link)
Free test kits are available by visiting Utah Radon Services (external link)
Waste Management
In an effort to protect the public and the environment from exposure to contamination caused by improper treatment, storage, and disposal of waste, San Juan Public Health ensures compliance with waste management regulations, including those governing hazardous waste, radiation control, solid waste, used oil, and used tires.
Response and Remediation
San Juan Public Health is charged with protecting the public health of San Juan County’s environment through investigating chemically contaminated sites to ensure proper cleanup, and inspecting underground storage tanks to ensure proper use.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, call 435-587-3838 during regular business hours.
Permits & Inspections
Protecting the citizens and visitors of San Juan County by enforcing food safety regulations is a primary role of San Juan Public Health.
To ensure that food is handled appropriately for the safety of the public, San Juan Public Health requires all individuals preparing, serving, or handling food in or around a food service establishment or mobile food unit (whether the individuals are compensated or not) to receive adequate food service training, either as a certified food handler or as a certified food safety manager.
Food Handler Permits
Food Handler Permits are obtained online through an approved Utah Food Handler Training course.
For an online class, any of the vendors listed below are approved to provide the Utah training. Fees may vary but generally range between $20 and $30. All food handler permits are valid for three years. Once you complete the training and pass the exam, you will receive your Food Handlers Permit Card in the mail.
Food Service Permits
Food service establishments in San Juan County are inspected regularly to prevent exposure to food born illness and enhance food safety for the public. Food service establishments must obtain permits through San Juan Public Health prior to opening and all food service establishments must renew their permits annually. Partial year and temporary food service permits are also available. Food trucks are also required to obtain a permit food service permit.
⦁ Initial annual food service establishment permit $382.00
⦁ Annual food service establishment renewal permits – see application
⦁ Seasonal food service establishment permit (5 months) $55.00
⦁ Temporary food service permit (3 days) $27.00
Additional Health Inspections & Permits
The environmental health director regularly inspects day-care facilities, swimming pools, hotels, and motels to protect the public from possible health hazards.
Public swimming pools and hot tubs are inspected monthly. Residential and commercial daycare facilities are inspected and issued permits. Regular inspections are conducted at hotels and motels. Anyone wishing to operate body art, cosmetology, massage, or tanning facilities in San Juan County is subject to inspection and must have a permit from the health department.
These permits and regular inspections help ensure that our public is safe and protected from diseases and hazardous agents commonly spread in such facilities.
⦁ Swimming Pool Annual Permit $133.00
⦁ Swimming Pool Water Sample (per water sample) $35.00
⦁ Day Care Inspection $30.00
⦁ Mass Gathering Permit (per event) $605.00
⦁ Cosmetology/Body Art/Tanning/Massage/Hotels & Motels require plan review and special permits.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, call 435-587-3838 during regular business hours
Forms