ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
BCHD environmental health specialists are responsible for the inspections of food establishments, on-site wastewater treatment systems, child care facilities, and hotels & motels. Environmental health staff also conducts ServSafe training classes monthly, complaint investigations and laboratory testing of private wells.
WASTEWATER
An estimated twenty-five percent of homes in Missouri rely on an onsite wastewater treatments system (OWTS) in areas where public sewers are not available. Onsite systems treat wastewater and disperse it on the property where it is generated. When functioning properly, onsite systems prevent human contact with sewage, and prevent contamination of surface and groundwater. Factors that affect the proper functioning of onsite systems include the site and soil conditions, design, installation, operation and maintenance.
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENTS
WELL WATER TESTING
We offer two options for bacteriological testing of drinking water, official and unofficial. Both options analyze drinking water for the presence of total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. Coli.).
Official water samples are $30.00. Water is collected, handled, transported and analyzed by a Public Health Environmental Specialist.
Unofficial water samples are $20.00. Water is collected by an individual, such as the property owner, in a Health Department provided container and returned Monday - Wednesday to the Health Department during normal office hours.
For an additional $5.00 a nitrate test can be included to either option.
New Well Series
The New Well Series tests for pH, nitrate/nitrogen, chloride, sulfate, fluoride, iron, manganese, and lead. Each sample is collected by a Public Health Environmental Specialist, and analyzed by the State Public Health Laboratory in Jefferson City.
The charge for this service is $30.00.
FOOD SERVICE
The Environmental Public Health Specialists perform routine, pre-opening and complaint food inspections for restaurants, grocery stores, temporary and mobile food vendors.
ServSafe Class Information:
Serv Safe classes are offered monthly. Please call 417-847-2114 for dates,
times and locations of classes offered through the health department.
Payment must be received with registration (by mail or in person at Barry
County Health Dept. in Cassville). Cost for the course is $130.00 per person,
non-refundable.
Someone who has successfully completed an 8 hour ServSafe course must
be onsite at food establishment at all times.
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COMPLAINTS
The Barry County Health Department investigates onsite sewage and food service complaints. All complaints need to be in writing with detailed information. (Forms may be submitted anonymously).