The Environmental Health Branch works to assure the health of the community by enforcing laws, regulations and ordinances that protect health and ensure safety. The work of this Branch is required by law and is considered one of the ten essential public health services. Environmental Health Branch personnel use education and inspection authority to assure compliance with public health law. Environmental Health personnel inspect regular and temporary food service facilities, public swimming pools and beaches, schools, hotels/motels and mobile home and recreational vehicle parks. Branch personnel also inspect tattoo studios, body piercing studios and ear piercing studios. They investigate complaints concerning garbage, sewage, insects and rodents. As part of the rabies control program they serve as quarantine officers in cases involving animals that bite humans. These personnel also work to protect surface and ground water by inspecting the installation and repair of residential and commercial septic systems. Additional duties involve the investigation of food borne, water borne and other communicable diseases in partnership with the Epidemiological Rapid Response Team and nurses from the Communicable Disease Team. Environmental Health personnel work with representatives of local and state agencies, government officials and others when necessary to assure the health of the community.