Environmental Health Services

Learn more about our food safety, vector control, aquatic health and other Health Department programs made to protect your health from environmental sources. Find out how to get or renew a health permit, complain about unhealthy conditions at a restaurant, pool, or hotel, or report an animal bite or mosquito problem in the city.
Page updated on September 29, 2022 at 1:27 PM

Guidance for Food Establishments Following a Storm

Food Safety Program

Food Safety

Food Safety Program

This program permits and inspects various food service facilities in the City of Alexandria. It also provides educational resources to promote safe food handling practices to both the general public and local businesses.

Aquatic Health & Safety Program

Vector-Borne Illness Prevention Program

mosquito

The Vector-Borne Illness Prevention program, or Vector Program, works to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that use insects and animals (or vectors) to spread. The Vector Program deals mainly with the surveillance, prevention and control of mosquitoes and responding to potential rabies exposures.

Mosquitoes  |  Rabies  |  Ticks  |  Bed Bugs  |   West Nile

Animal Bites / Rabies Prevention

The Health Department oversees investigations for potential rabies exposures. The Vector Program staff and epidemiologists track bites and possible rabies exposures to both people and animals within the City. This is done by partnering with Animal Control, local physicians and veterinarians.

Rabies  |  Animal Control  |  Epidemiology

 

Hotel Sanitation Program

This program permits and inspects various hotels, motels, hostels, and bed & breakfasts in the City of Alexandria.

Get a Permit  |  Resources  |  Bed Bugs

Water Quality Programs

Drinking Water

The City of Alexandria's water is regulated by many different federal, state, and local offices. Our office issues well permits, and will conduct inspections of wells and marinas. To learn more about other water quality issues in the city, contact the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services ( alexandriava.gov/tes), Office of Environmental Quality ( alexandriava.gov/Environment) or the Alexandria Sanitation Authority. 

Private Wells  /   Marinas  /   Fairfax Water  /   American Water /   Lead 

Permits & Plan Reviews

Health Permits and Licenses

EH issues permits or licenses for a variety of different facility types. Each type of permit or license may have different requirements.

Concerns & Complaints

Health Complaints

Have a complaint about a food establishment, pool or hotel? Too many mosquitoes while you are walking your dog? Need a tick identified? Call us at 703.746.4910 to report the issue.

Hazardous Substances

Hazardous Substances

Learn more about harmful substances that can make you and your love ones ill. Many of these substances can be found in the air and building materials of your home