Protection enhancements and economies of scale realized by regionalization of a well surveillance program

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Paul Myers, MS and Anthony Dennis, BS. Environmental Health Section, Alachua County Health Department, 224 SE 24th Street, Gainesville, FL 32641, 352.334.7932, Anthony_Dennis@doh.state.fl.us

The dynamics and complexities associated with frequent State level coordination and software enhancements require familiarity with protocols and equipment. Idle periods of well surveillance events inhibit proper programmatic implementations. Given that ninety-two percent of Florida's population relies upon groundwater for potable supplies, and 2200 additional wells are installed monthly, accurate assessments associated with known or suspected contaminated sites are crucial. Management of the data resultant from the referenced assessments provides the basis for appropriate public health responses.

Alachua County is north central Florida's economic and service hub. Home to the University of Florida, four major regional hospitals, and the Alachua County Health Department (ACHD), it supports the region with a vast array of services, opportunities and amenities. In terms of well surveillance programs, the ACHD was increasingly being tasked with supporting surrounding rural counties with technical and staffing support, and at times, comprehensively conducting the programmatic functions.

Assistance to the counties evolved into a regional well surveillance program managed by the ACHD that soon became a model for other regions of the State. Currently, ten north central Florida counties rely on this regional model for all or part of their well surveillance needs. Instead of ten points of contact for the State Health Office to maintain, there is one. Software upgrades are efficiently realized. Equipment requirements and personnel costs have decreased. Consistency in programmatic implementations has resulted in an enhanced delivery of services and has increased the protection of regional public health.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

1. Assess the applicability of public health program regionalization to their particular circumstances.
2. Recognize the economic and public health value of a point source surveillance system.
3. Develop a similar model program based upon best this best management practice.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

Water, Water Everywhere, But Not a Safe Drop to Drink!

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA