Board of Health

Local Boards of Health serve as the local arm of the MA Department of Public Health and are required by state statutes and regulations to perform many important and crucial duties relative to the protection of public health, the control of disease, the promotion of sanitary living conditions, and the protection of the environment from pollution.

Washington is a member of the Berkshire Public Health Alliance (BPHA) and contracts with the Alliance to act as our Health Agent and provide Inspection & Public Health Nursing services. BPHA agents perform field work and enforcement of State and local health regulations on behalf of the Board of Health — reviewing designs for the construction and repair of septic systems and private wells, conducting housing and food service inspections, and investigating nuisance complaints, among other services.

Permits from the Board of Health are required prior to repairing or constructing septic systems and installing private wells. Prior to selling a home, the septic system must be inspected by a qualified Title 5 inspector, per state regulations.

*IMPORTANT* – Beginning July 1, 2022, all BOH permit applications and fees must be submitted and paid online through the BPHA online permitting system. Any paper applications or checks received at the Town Hall will be returned and applicants directed to submit online. This is to facilitate our Health Agent in administering all inspections and permitting more effectively on behalf of the Town. Thank you for your cooperation.

If you have any questions or need help applying, or to request a refund for cancellation, please contact Lydia Shulman, 413-442-1521 ext. 60.

The Board of Health consists of three members appointed by the Select Board.