DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The Division of Health consists of three bureaus which investigate various threats to public health: the Bureau of Investigations and Inspections; the Bureau of Healthy Homes; and the Bureau of Licensing.  As a public health agency, the Division of Health is required to collect, maintain, and report community surveillance statistics to state and federal health officials.

In addition the Health Division also follows up on information involving:

  • Illegal solid waste transfer stations
  • Abandoned industrial barrels
  • Improper disposal of medical waste
  • Crimes against the environment

 

BUREAU OF LICENSING

We inspect all establishments licensed by the Division of Health, including:

  • Retail food establishments
  • Mobile food vendors
  • Laundries
  • Beauty salons
  • Tanning salons
  • Nail salons
  • Day care centers

The Bureau of Licensing also investigates outbreaks and assists and advises other municipal health agencies when the food establishment in question is located outside Jersey City.

Some of the licenses issued by the Licensing Bureau are now available for renewal online. 

Click here to renew licenses for Class A, B, C, and D food establishments, vending machines, child care centers, tattoo parlors, and dog licenses.

BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS & INSPECTIONS

The Bureau of Investigations and Inspections investigates all citizen complaints relative to potential or actual public health nuisances.  Public health nuisances are conditions which contain disease organisms and cause illness or foster and aid the vectors which transport and spread disease. Disease vectors are the means by which diseases travel (e.g., rats, mice, fleas and ticks). 

Common health nuisances reported :

 

  • Rodent/Roach infestation
  • Hoarding
  • Bedbug Infestation
  • Improper garbage storage
  • Sewer backup in basement
  • Accumulated rubbish and debris on premises
  • High weeds/overgrown grass in rear yard
  • Unsanitary conditions in apartment or house (odor)

 

BUREAU OF HEALTHY HOMES
The Bureau of Healthy Homes works to eliminate lead poisoning and to address and identify lead hazards.

The Bureau of Healthy Homes/Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) provides a variety of resources to help primary care physicians educate their patients on the dangers of lead and other hazards. The Bureau provides lead screening, case management, and environmental intervention services to children who are lead burdened. Lead screening is provided for children 9 months through 6 years of age who are uninsured or underinsured.

Educating local healthcare providers is vital if any headway is going to be made in lowering blood lead levels in Jersey City's youth population.

Food Handler's Course

Jersey City HHS provides mandatory ServSafe food handling courses, which must be taken by a minimum of one manager or supervisor of retail food establishments of any classification yearly, prior to the renewal of the food establishment's license.

Food establishments that have not met this requirement will not receive a license. N.J.A.C. 8:42 3.4(a)5

At least one person who has satisfactorily completed the Jersey City Health Division food handler's course must be on the premises during hours of operation.

Upcoming Classes

July 8, August 5, Sept 9, Oct 7, Nov 4 from 10AM-2PM

Seating is limited; please register and pay a fee of $25 in advance at HHS Licensing Bureau, City Hall Annex, 1 Jackson Square. We accept cash, check, or money order.


JERSEY CITY WATER SUPPLY

Jersey City's drinking water comes from the Jersey City Reservoir located in Boonton and Parsippany, as well as the Split Rock Reservoir in Rockaway. SUEZ manages water distribution and with the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority (JCMUA) and SUEZ, provides residents with water that meets and often surpasses all the health and safety standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The water is purified at the Jersey City Water Treatment Plant in Boonton, which purifies 50 million gallons of water a day on average.

For more information please see the Jersey City Water Supply FAQ

Contact Info

  • phone(201) 547-6800
  • phoneHealth Complaints: (201) 547-5285
  • City Hall Annex
    One Jackson Square (364 MLK Drive)
    Jersey City NJ 07305


  • Directions