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 Aug 2, 2019 at 3:07 PM
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) began migrating to a new data system, Environmental Health Database (EHD), on June 20, 2019. This process is taking longer than expected and some information and services that rely on that database continue to be interrupted.


Food Safety Program

 Picture of salad

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. Visit alexandriava.gov/FoodSafety for more information. 

Get a Permit  |  About Inspections  |  Manager Cards  |  Employee Health  |  Resources  |  Power Outage 

Aquatic Health & Safety Program

Picture of pool This program permits and inspects various pools, spas, water parks and play fountains in the City of Alexandria. Visit alexandriava.gov/AquaticHealth for more information. 

Get a Permit  |  About Inspections  |  Pool Operators  |  Management Companies 

Vector-Borne Illness Prevention Program

Picture of 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

kids with dog

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

Picture of Hotel Room 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

Picture of 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

Picture of Application EH issues permits or licenses for a variety of different facility types. Each type of permit or license may have different requirements. Visit our permit page at alexandriava.gov/40656 for an overview of the different types and processes.

Permit Types  /   Plan Reviews  /   Get a Permit  /   Fees  /   Forms  /   Code & Regulations

Concerns & 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. For more information about what information we need, visit alexandriava.gov/87518. For complaints about trash or rats not at a food, pool or hotel establishment, visit alexandriava.gov/5382 to contact the Rodent Control Program.

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. Visit alexandriava.gov/11622 for more information. 

Smoking  |  Lead  |  Radon  |  Asbestos  |  Carbon Monoxide  |  Mold 

Contact Us

Alexandria Health Department
Division of Environmental Health
4480 King Street, 3rd Floor
Alexandria, VA, 22302

Phone: 703.746.4910
Fax: 703.746.4919

Business Hours:

  • Monday - Wednesday & Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday: 12:45 to 4:30 pm 
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