Environmental Health

A full-time Registered Sanitarian/Environmental Health Specialist is available to respond to complaints, concerns, and questions from the public on topics such as housing, food and drinking water safety, indoor and outdoor air quality, sanitation, hazardous materials, pest activity, and recreation. The environmental health program covers investigation and abatement of any environmental exposures that may affect of the health of the entire population, or even a single person. The Health Officer, or designee, following WI State Statute 254.59 investigates human health hazard complaints. Abatement orders may be issued by the Health Officer or designee. Well water testing is available for investigative purposes and on a fee-exempt basis for WIC clients. County owned beaches, as well as one beach owned by the City of Ladysmith, are tested weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day for the presence of E. coli bacteria in the water. The Registered Sanitarian collaborates with the Rusk County Animal Shelter to investigate animal bite reports and rabies testing. Other programs include West Nile Virus monitoring and Radon education and testing.

Air Quality

Good air quality is important for human health and the environment.

Beach Water Testing

Beaches are sampled for the presence of E. coli bacteria throughout the swimming season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Drinking Water

Many Wisconsin residents drink well water from federally unregulated sources. Regular maintenance of your well is required to ensure continued safety of your water and to monitor for the presence of any contaminants. Rusk County is a Certified Drinking Water Lab for bacteria testing for private wells, DNR Transient Non-Community wells and area municipal water systems.

Environmental Hazards

An environmental health hazard is a substance that has the ability to cause an adverse health event, such as radon, rabies, lead and mold.

Human Health Hazards

The environmental health program covers investigation and abatement of any environmental exposures that may affect of the health of the entire population, or even a single person.

Retail Food, Lodging and Recreational Licensing

As an agent for Wisconsin Department of of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), we manage the licensing and inspection program of all retail food, lodging and recreation facilities in Rusk County.