Gilmer County
Health Department
Environmental Health
Our Environmental Health Program promotes cleanliness and safe practices in public food service and general sanitation establishments. We also collaborate with contractors and property owners to ensure sanitary sewage systems and safe drinking water supplies are constructed. We investigate public health complaints and reportable disease cases related to insects, animals, food, and water sources.
General Sanitation
Our General Sanitation program works to ensure a clean, safe and sanitary environment over a wide range of facilities including: Schools, Daycare and Child Care Centers, Lodging Facilities including: Manufactured Home Communities, Hotels & Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Recreational Facilities Including: Organized Camps, Campgrounds Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, & Spas, Parks & Playgrounds, Fairs, Festivals, & Mass Gatherings, Body Art Facilities Including: Microblading, Tattoo, and Body Piercing Studios
Click link to view the regulations for these facilities
Click link to view the regulations for these facilities
Click link to view the regulations for these facilities
Click link to view the regulations for these facilities
Click a photo to view its regulation.
Apply for permits using the SG-49 application.
Sewage Treatment Systems
Residents of Gilmer County who do not have access to public sewage systems require individual on-site sewage systems. We work with installers and home owners to make sure sewage systems are installed properly, lawfully, and do not contaminate the surface of the ground or the water. Before a sewage permit can be issued, the soil profile must be evaluated to determine whether the system will be impacted by a seasonal high water table. Soil permeability for wicking away sewage effluent is also measured using a percolation test. The slope of the land, size of the lot and setback distances from property lines, utility lines, water supplies, and other features are also considered.
Drinking Water
Our Drinking Water Program helps protect the public from unsafe drinking water sources that can cause waterborne diseases harmful to human health. We evaluate water well drilling locations prior to issuing permits, to make sure they are not near sources of contamination. We inspect wells after they have been drilled to make sure they were properly constructed. We collect water samples once wells are in use, to make sure contaminants are not present. When contaminants are found, we provide disinfection guidelines and offer repeat sampling to make sure the water is safe to drink.
Rabies Prevention
Rabies is a fatal but preventable virus that is spread through exposure to saliva or cerebral spinal fluid of an infected mammal. People, pets, and livestock are susceptible to the virus through bites or scratches. Rabies affects the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if post-exposure vaccinations are not received immediately after a bite. We quarantine and observe animals who have bitten or scratched humans, and pets who are bitten or scratched by wild and domestic animals. The observation period allows us to determine whether rabies symptoms develop and vaccinations are necessary to prevent the disease in humans. The greatest tools we have against this often fatal disease is to keep our pets vaccinated for rabies and avoid handling wild animals or breaking up animal fights. It is also important to be aware of warning signals from animals that a bite may occur.