The Putnam County Department of Health performs water testing on town water systems, community water systems with five or more connections (condos, apartments, or housing developments), plazas and office buildings with 25 or more employees, and small businesses on their own wells that serve 25 or more different people (like restaurants and gas stations).

Homeowners with private wells are responsible for testing their own water. A list of certified labs can be found here. Health department staff are available to help explain water test results and answer questions at 845-808-1390.

Anybody interested in opening a food service establishment or food truck, trailer, pushcart, or anybody planning to serve food at an event such as a street fair should contact the PCDOH and the local town or village where they will be operating for approvals. All applicants must contact the PCDOH and receive approval prior to the construction of any new food service establishments or food trucks. All food service establishments and mobile food service operations must apply for a permit and be inspected by the PCDOH. For more information, click here.

The Putnam County Department of Health permits children’s camp programs to operate legally, and ensures that it operates with the State Sanitary Code requirements. A permit is issued only when the camp is in compliance with the state’s health regulations. Each camp is inspected to ensure the physical facilities are safe, supervision is adequate and the facility is in compliance with the NYS Sanitary Code. Children’s camps must be inspected twice yearly by a health department representative. Those interested in applying for a permit to operate a children’s camp should call 845-808-1390.

For recycling and other disposal information, please visit putnamcountyny.com/health/recycling.

Please click here to file a request.

Please call the Department of Health at 845-808-1390 to file a complaint.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has up-to-date information about hundreds of health topics. Please browse the A-Z list below: 

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Click here for more health information provided by the New York State Department of Health.

Congratulations on deciding to quit smoking! For resources and free nicotine replacement therapy, please visit https://nysmokefree.com/ or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).

Freedom From Smoking classes are offered by the health department and other community organizations. When a course is scheduled, that information will be shared here.

The Putnam County Department of Health works with a variety of businesses and organizations in the community. From restaurants, camps and schools to healthcare providers and even more, they all work with the health department to improve and protect the health of Putnam County.

A list of community partners working towards objectives in the most recent Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) can be found in Appendix A of the Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan.

For a Community Resource Guide: English | Español 

To request a presentation or guest speaker from the health department, please complete this form.

To request that the health department attend a community event, please complete this form.

The Putnam County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) recruits and trains volunteers to support the county in the event of an emergency or disaster. The mission of the MRC is to serve the community by strengthening public health, improving emergency response capabilities and building community resiliency. To learn more, or to sign up, visit www.putnamcountyny.com/mrcvolunteer/

A list of food pantries available in Putnam County can be found at map.thefoodpantries.org.

To apply for WIC, a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children, find an office here or call 1-800-522-5006.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered through the Department of Social Services or at mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits.