We issued a toxic algae caution advisory for Bay Lake. You should avoid areas of the lake where you see algae because they can pose health concerns. You’ll see signs posted at the lake to let you know about the advisory. ➡️ tpchd.org/news/we-issued-a-t…

👶October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness month. Our Health Officer has a 2-year-old daughter and a brand-new baby! He shares his thoughts on keeping babies safe while they’re sleeping and what we can all do to make Pierce County a great place for infants. tpchd.org/blog/keep-babies-s…

Recent bat encounters at a Puyallup school are a good reminder that you should take bat sightings seriously and know how to respond if you contact one. It’s also a good reminder that they usually carry very little risk to your health: ☑️Fewer than one in 20,000 bats in Washington has rabies. ☑️The last time a bat tested positive for rabies in Pierce County was 2017. ☑️We’ve only had two cases of human rabies in Washington in the last 75 years.tpchd.org/blog/bats-are-most…

Our Board of Health will meet in person at 3 p.m. in the Health Department Auditorium. You can watch the meeting live on our website➡️ tpchd.org/info/board-of-heal… Find the agenda and more information about the meeting➡️ tpchd.org/info/board-of-heal… You can attend in person at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at 3629 S D St., Tacoma, WA 98418. Or join the meeting with Zoom: Dial (253) 215-8782, use Meeting ID: 852 6383 2261 and passcode 038473 when prompted.

We’ve already noticed an uptick in flu. We’re seeing emergency department visits at levels we typically see around Thanksgiving or in December. Take steps now to protect yourself. tpchd.org/blog/respiratory-i…

We issued Water Advisory for Thea Foss Waterway. While the advisory is in effect, avoid contact with the water for 48 hours after it rains. ➡️tpchd.org/news/water-advisor…

We lifted the toxic algae caution advisory for Lake Whitman, located in Kapowsin. Even when an advisory is not in effect, always use caution when you’re in the water. When in doubt, stay out! ➡️tpchd.org/surface-water/we-l…

We lifted the toxic algae caution advisory for Palmer Lake, located in Key Peninsula. Even when an advisory is not in effect, always use caution when you’re in the water. When in doubt, stay out! tpchd.org/water-advisory/we-…

We issued a toxic algae caution advisory for Steilacoom Lake. You should avoid areas of the lake where you see algae because they can pose health concerns. You’ll see signs posted at the lake to let you know about the advisory. tpchd.org/uncategorized/toxi…

How do you know if your septic system is failing? 🚿Plumbing fixtures drain slowly. 🪠Sewage backs up into your home. 💦Drainfield is wet or soft but not from rain or irrigation. 🏡Grass is extra green or has heavy growth. 🤢It smells bad near your septic system. 🤮Failing septic systems can cause toxic algae, beach closures, and even illness. Catching these problems early can save you money. Protect your investment. Schedule an inspection today! Learn more ➡️ tpchd.org/septiccare.

🚽🦺 Septic safety begins with you. Maintain your septic system to keep you and your family safe. ➡️Know where your septic system is and walk your property regularly. ➡️Check the drainfield for broken equipment, holes, or surfacing sewage. ➡️Make sure septic tank lids are firmly attached and free of damage. ➡️Ask your septic professional about a safety screen to prevent accidental falls into the septic tank. ➡️Keep kids and pets away from tank lids. Find your septic record drawing and learn more ➡️ tpchd.org/septic

⬇️🔍Do you have a gravity or pump-to-gravity septic system? You may be eligible to reduce your inspection frequency from once every 3 years to once every 5 years. 💻See if your property qualifies and sign up for a training class ➡️ tpchd.org/reduced-inspection…. 📱Contact us for more info ➡️ [email protected] or (253) 649-1421.

Did you know about 4 in 5 people will get human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives? And that it can cause cancer? tpchd.org/blog/prevent-cance…

Do you know when to have your septic tank pumped? 🏠When you sell your house, we require pumping of all tanks along with the O&M inspection of your septic system. 🗓️Every 3-5 years depending on usage and family size. 💩When the sludge and scum combined are 1/3 of your tank. We don’t require your tank to be pumped during routine inspections, but unpumped tanks could result in costly repairs and system failure. Learn more ➡️ tpchd.org/septiccare.

🚽🤓Septic Smart Week is here! ➡️ doh.wa.gov/septic Join us all week to learn cost saving and safety tips for your septic system. Need help paying for septic repairs? You may qualify for: ✅$125 off a routine septic inspection (required to receive other discounts below).   ✅$125 off riser installation.  ✅$200 off tank(s) pumping.  ✅$500 off cost of minor repairs.  Learn more➡️ tpchd.org/septichelp

Now is a great time for conversations about staying free from alcohol. In a recent survey of Pierce County 10th graders: 🚫7.3% said they drank alcohol in the previous month. 🚫9.7% either drove after drinking or rode with someone who had been drinking. Help your kids make the decision to be in the large majority of students who make good choices about drinking! tpchd.org/blog/alcohol-free-…

Our Board of Health will meet in person at 3 p.m. in the Health Department Auditorium. You can watch the meeting live on our website➡️ tpchd.org/info/board-of-heal… Find the agenda and more information about the meeting➡️ tpchd.org/info/board-of-heal… You can attend in person at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at 3629 S D St., Tacoma, WA 98418. Or join the meeting with Zoom: Dial (253) 215-8782, use Meeting ID: 852 6383 2261 and passcode 038473 when prompted.