Environmental Health

Most services are provided free to students, though a small fee is charged for Temporary Food Stand permits. Research and clinical departments are charged for biohazard containment testing and maintenance services.

Environmental Health Program at UHS
333 East Campus Mall
608-262-1809
Fax: 608-265-0569
Mon to Fri » 8 am to 4:30 pm

Environmental Health is an agent of Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) under Wisconsin Statutes 254.47 and 254.69. Under the DHS agent agreement, license food-service venues, recreational/educational camps, swimming pools, and lodging facilities on campus and enforce related public health administrative codes. Read the full policy »

Food Safety
Food Safety
  • Download a hand washing sign [pdf]
  • Monitor food protection and food-borne illness prevention practices at campus food-service facilities (Wisconsin Union, University Housing, University Club, UW Hospital & Clinics and the Kohl Center).
  • Assist food service management investigating complaints and suspected food-borne illnesses.
  • Provide food protection and sanitation training to student and staff employees.
  • Issue Temporary Food Stand permits for registered student organizations.
  • Inspect campus vending machines.
  • Conduct bacteriological testing of softserve ice cream and dairy products.
Water Quality
Food Safety
  • Monitor campus water quality.
  • Investigate drinking water complaints and conduct water analyses.
  • Monitor campus swimming beaches and pools.
  • Evaluate campus storm water runoff in Lake Mendota.
  • Water Quality in Madison
Air Quality
Food Safety
  • Assess the air quality of classrooms, laboratories and other campus buildings.
  • Collect and analyze mold spore samples.
  • Conduct air monitoring to evaluate chemical exposure health risks.
  • Evaluate ventilation system design and performance.
  • Air Quality in Madison
Biological Safety
Food Safety
  • Test and certify performance of biohazard containment systems in campus research and diagnostic facilities.
  • Provide biological safety hood decontamination and repair services.
  • BSC & CAD service requests