What We Do
It is the mission of the Health Department to control preventable diseases through education, inspections and monitoring by enforcing the federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations for maintaining and promoting public health.
Contact Us
Main Telephone: 203-594-3018
Main Fax: 203-594-3125
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
David M. Reed, MD, MPH,Medical Director, Director of Health
203-594-3018
DReedmd@gmail.com
A. Briggs Geddis, RS Director of Environmental Health
Briggs.Geddis@newcanaanct.gov
Bethany Zaro, RN, Public Health Nurse
203-594-3093
Bethany.zaro@newcanaanct.gov
Elizabeth Shaban, Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth.Shaban@newcanaanct.gov
Location
Irwin Park, Click here for a map.
848 Weed Street
New Canaan, CT 06840
Recalls
Programs
The Health Department maintains files of all septic systems installed from July 1957 to the present, some sporadic information on septic systems prior to that date and well locations from 1959 to the present. We maintain a list of current septic and well contractors and engineers working in the Town. To see the list, go to the Service Contractors page on this web site.
We work with the Department of Human Services on housing issues and with the Animal Control Officer on suspect animals that may be carrying the virus for rabies, or birds that may be infected with West Nile virus.
We inspect refuse and sewage pump trucks, inspect day-care centers, supply information and assistance to parents with children with elevated blood lead levels, inspect and license food service establishments, review plans, issue permits and inspect the installation of septic systems, issue permits for private water supplies and provide technical information on water quality, and provide information on mosquito and tick-borne diseases.
We respond to complaints of food or environmental issues. Our office also has racks of the latest information on these issues, as well as dates of flu clinics, mammography exams, stop smoking aids and nutritional information.
Health Related Sites
State of Connecticut Sites:
Connecticut State Department of Health
Department of Consumer Protection
The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
U. S. Government Sites:
Centers for Disease Control
Environmental Protection Agency
Food and Drug Administration
National Institutes of Health
International Sites:
World Health Organization
Pan American Health Organization
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a copy of the sketch of the location of my well and/or septic system?
You may stop by during the hours open to the public or you may request it to be faxed.
If I plan to put an addition on my house do I have to upgrade my septic system?
Any addition to your house even if the footprint is not changed will probably require testing for a code compliant septic system. This may include finishing the attic or basement or increasing the living space. Additionally improvements such as swimming pools, garages, pool houses, sheds or modifying the soil may require testing as of August 1998, per Section 19-13-B100A of the Public Health Code. Testing is done by a licensed septic installer or professional engineer and witnessed by the Health Department.
Do I have to upgrade a cesspool or a very old septic system that is in working condition?
Old systems in working condition are legally non-conforming as long as any work done on the property has been done with a permit. The existing septic system can remain as long as it is in working condition and does not violate required separating distances.
How often should I pump my septic tank?
Tanks should be pumped on a regular schedule. Two years is generally a good rule of thumb. The schedule may vary widely depending on the size of the system relative to the house, the number of occupants and the age of the system, Generally the older systems are smaller and may require the tank to be pumped more often and the newer systems are larger and may not need pumping as often.
Can I have a garbage disposal if I'm on a septic system?
No septic system is designed to accept garbage. A garbage disposal unit will limit the storage capacity of the tank and will likely compromise the function of the tank and drainage fields.
Will septic tank additives be beneficial to my septic system?
There is no product on the market that is approved by the DEP, the State Health Department or local health departments. The products range from having no effect on the septic system to a detrimental effect by destroying bacterial action in the tank or polluting the soils and groundwater.
How often should I have my well water tested? Who should test it?
There is no recommended interval, but if there is no excavation/blasting or construction adjacent to your property, testing every 5 years would probably be sufficient. Earth moving construction might require testing to be done within a period of a year or two, and if OK, then at longer intervals. The water should be tested only by a laboratory certified by the State of Connecticut. One laboratory leaves bottles in our office for the convenience of the public.
I have a copy of the report of my well water analysis. Can you interpret the results and offer recommendations for possible treatment?
We can. We are obviously unbiased and will give you written information as well. The most critical area is Coliform, which must be zero. Water that has bacteria present must be chlorinated. Water pH can be tested and adjusted, as well. The low pH of very soft water can cause erosion of copper piping and green staining. Interpretation of water test results may be found here: Interpretation of Results.
What should I do with my pet if it gets in a fight with a wild animal?
Handle your pet with rubber gloves. Examine it carefully to see if any wounds are obvious. Call the Animal Control Officer and, if possible, try to capture or kill the offending animal. Call your veterinarian to get your animal a booster shot for rabies. The Animal Control Officer or the Police or Health Department will advise if further steps are required.